Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver has been reopened and is being remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for esophageal varices remains denied as there is no current disability or established link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, hypertension, PTSD, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and rectal fistula were denied. The claim for psychiatric disability was not addressed as it was presumed to be PTSD.,Service connection was not established for any of the conditions due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between the condition and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding right shoulder disability, TBI, right leg disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death, including the reopening of a back disability claim and the psychiatric (PTSD) claim. The right knee disability rating was also dismissed, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression) due to insufficient medical evidence. The claims will be further developed by obtaining current treatment records, scheduling VA examinations, and clarifying diagnoses.

The Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeals for the issues of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, essential hypertension, bilateral renal cysts, prostate disability, high cholesterol, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.,The case of service connection for hepatitis C is remanded and will be reconsidered based on the provided information.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a keratitis condition is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.,Left upper extremity neuropathy is granted as it was diagnosed in service and continues to be shown.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issues of service connection for OSA and an acquired mental disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features) as these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional private records, as well as an updated opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly assess the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, PTSD, COPD, erectile dysfunction, and TDIU. The issues of service connection and rating will be remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to new evidence received since the last denial. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and erectile dysfunction, as well as total disability based on individual unemployability will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's head injury residuals are due to his alcohol abuse, and his psychiatric disability is also related to his alcohol use. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions, and the Veteran should be provided with a letter about personal assault claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot disability, right foot disability, and psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.