Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was not granted as the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depression and schizophrenia, are related to his military service. The case is being sent back for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric and physical conditions. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits has been granted, and he is now receiving a 100 percent evaluation for his heart condition (CAD). His renal insufficiency with hypertension is rated at 60 percent. He also receives SMC based on housebound status due to his CAD.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing mental health disorder worsened during service, establishing service connection by aggravation. The decision is now revised to restore service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and right fibular fracture with right ankle strain are not related to service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence showing worsening beyond expected progression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, genital herpes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing addendum opinions from VA examiners regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical opinions and verifying the Veteran's stressors. The claims will be readjudicated after all necessary actions are taken.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, stomach cancer, and right foot disorder were denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety) was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's previous VA examinations and his failure to attend scheduled appointments. The Veteran will be provided another examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board found insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board also denied service connection for a personality disorder due to lack of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since January 14, 2005.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. However, it is denied as there is no evidence that his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is not related to his active service and there was no credible evidence of a stressor. The claimant did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations and insufficient opinions regarding service connection claims. The Veteran's vertigo, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and psychiatric disabilities are among the issues being addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, is found to be at least as likely as not aggravated by her service-connected migraine headaches. The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a psychiatric disorder and hypertension are granted. The Board finds that the onset of both conditions is related to his military service from September 1986 to October 1990.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety and undifferentiated somatoform disorder, effective August 31, 2010. The decision also addresses an earlier effective date claim for the increased rating.