Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to missing private treatment records and the need for clarification of in-service stressful events. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with these additional pieces of information.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for mixed personality disorder (claimed as schizophrenia) is dismissed. The Board has expanded the issue to include any acquired psychiatric disorder diagnosed since the claim was presented, and remanded the matter for additional documentation and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records show episodes of nose bleeds and dizziness related to high blood pressure, which may be linked to his current diagnosis of hypertension. For PTSD, the Board found the VA examination inadequate and remanded for further opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating increases, and TDIU due to incomplete opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is required to provide an addendum opinion from a VA clinician and undergo another examination.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records. The Veteran's petition to reopen a previously denied claim of acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his claim of headaches, are also on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases due to missing records, including service treatment records and private treatment records from various facilities. The Veteran's claims for low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and right shoulder arthritis. Service connection was also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and PTSD). The Veteran's hearing loss and fibromyalgia claims are remanded. The rating of the Veteran's radiculopathy is also remanded. TDIU is remanded as it is intertwined with other issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was reopened, and the Board granted this claim. The Veteran's digestive conditions were found to warrant a rating of 30% but not more.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder does not result in an employment handicap, and therefore he is not eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for left hand, right hand, low back, left leg, right leg, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, residuals of head trauma, and headache disorder as well as the psychiatric disorders. The VA will obtain all outstanding VA treatment records and provide a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with its March 2015 remand instructions, specifically regarding the Veteran's lay statements and family members' testimony about his psychiatric symptoms. The claim will be remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including PTSD, DM due to herbicide exposure in Thailand, low back condition, HTN secondary to DM, and OSA. The claims are being remanded for further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The claims include respiratory disorder, coronary artery disease, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a compensable evaluation for residuals of dislocation PIP joint right little finger. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded due to new evidence suggesting current diagnoses. The claim for PTSD is also remanded as there may be a connection between his sleep issues and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is likely related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of a qualifying disability.