Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder condition, back condition, left leg condition, right leg condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left hip disability, excluding a left hamstring strain and an ischium avulsion fracture, was not related to his period of active duty service. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim also required additional development as per the November 2015 remand directives.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, diagnosed as schizophrenia, is not service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's in-service stressors and his current symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for psychiatric disability. The Veteran's statements and research provided by his representative indicate a possible link between in-service anxiety and social isolation, which may have led to later diagnosed psychosis.

The Board found that the overpayment of $31,551.08 was properly created due to VA's failure to withhold attorney fees from past-due benefits awarded for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Schizophrenia, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided to the Veteran in August 2013 is insufficient for purposes of adjudicating the claims and therefore, a remand is warranted. The issues are now REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, to include PTSD. The claim will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence and findings.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability for which service connection may be granted regarding the claimed heart disorder, fecal incontinence, or acquired psychiatric disorder. As such, the claims must be denied.

The Board dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for a skin disability due to withdrawal. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis, and right toe disability were denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for PTSD, finding new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for lower back pain, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, migraines, tinnitus, and maxillary sinusitis have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and dysthymic disorder) are denied. The claim for increased rating for status post laminectomy lumbosacral spine with low back pain is granted to a maximum of 40 percent from September 20, 2010 to August 6, 2016, but denied thereafter. Separate initial ratings in excess of 10 percent are not warranted for femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right leg and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left leg.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. Service connection was also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and sleep disorder), but this issue is being remanded due to a need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been granted. His rating for chronic bronchitis and asthma remains pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable prior to October 13, 2004 and 20 percent thereafter. The issue of service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment and personnel records. Her basic eligibility for VA home loan benefits remains under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service personal assault is not corroborated, and there is no other evidence of record linking his current psychiatric disorders to service. As such, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is denied.