Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted, as new and material evidence has been received. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no diagnosed mental health disorder during the appeal period.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include COPD and pulmonary emphysema, was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for oropharyngeal cancer was denied as there is no objective evidence of a primary respiratory cancer.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, left knee disability, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disability (dementia), liver disease, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his active service.,There was no indication of onset during service or causation due to in-service activities such as climbing, jumping, and physical duties.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received. The case is remanded for further development regarding the validity of the reported in-service sexual assault stressor and for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The issues on appeal include service connection for various orthopedic, respiratory, psychiatric, and dermatological conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that while there was a pre-existing condition, it did not show evidence that active duty caused or aggravated this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia was granted effective September 21, 1982. The Board found that the additional service records received after the initial denial were relevant in determining that the Veteran's condition was incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and initial disability ratings for his left knee disorder. The Board found no evidence of current or past psychiatric disorders, and concluded that any symptoms were not related to military service.,For the left knee disorder, the Board determined there was no evidence of instability or limitation of motion beyond what is already accounted for by the existing 10% ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for status post excision of malignant melanoma on the right scapular area, claimed as skin cancer, has been reopened. The evidence submitted relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.,Service connection was denied for dermatoheliosis (skin rash) due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service.

The Veteran's skin disorder claim has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. The gastrointestinal disorder and psychiatric disorders claims are pending. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and arthritis of the feet have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia became manifest during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, eye disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of a psychotic disorder, which he now claims as paranoid schizophrenia with memory loss and psychotic symptoms. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding Social Security Administration records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hepatitis disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of heat casualty. Service connection is granted for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand). The claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and neurocognitive disorder remain pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disabilities, residuals of inner head injury, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not shown to be related to his military service.,His hepatic disorder, including hepatitis C and cirrhosis, did not manifest during or within one year after service and is not linked to any in-service event.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of an injury to the right upper extremity and for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back disability and bilateral hip disability. The appeal for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is remanded.