Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service and is granted service connection. The Board finds the Veteran credible in his report of a decline in hearing loss post-service, but an addendum opinion is needed to address this issue. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of noise exposure or current disability. Service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities (including GERD) and acquired psychiatric disorders are also denied due to lack of medical nexus opinions. An addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's shoulder disabilities is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a disability for VA purposes due to his hearing impairment, as it is less than 40 decibels in all tested frequencies. His TDIU appeal was withdrawn during his October 2017 hearing. The issue of service connection for hypoxia remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including GAD and MDD, is related to service. The skin disability is also considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development. The case will be returned to the Board only if full compliance with this decision is achieved.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorder) have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have somnambulism, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The case is also remanded to obtain a CT scan and VA respiratory examination, as well as an addendum opinion from the December 2016 mental disorder examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran's current schizophrenia was not caused or aggravated by his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for schizophrenia, finding that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found in favor of the Veteran regarding his current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression/dysthymic disorder), and blood deficiency have been granted with effective dates of September 1, 1999, October 9, 2008, and no date respectively.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including family relations, as a result of symptoms such as suicidal ideation, depressed mood, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and impaired impulse control. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and a left knee condition, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder), left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence supports that these conditions began in active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence to support it. The case is now remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has PTSD related to his period of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and right hand bone spur, finding no evidence of a current disability or nexus to service. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of merit.

The Board has remanded the claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and will consider additional evidence.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected interstitial lung disease, warranting service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, headaches (head injury), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence now shows that these conditions are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss, fatigue disorder, intestinal condition, hiatal hernia, or psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of increased rating for peptic ulcer disease, service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, low back condition, and chronic vision condition. The evidence did not support a higher rating for peptic ulcer disease or establish service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned to the AOJ for further development.