Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service-connected as it did not develop during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence linking the condition to his time in service.,His erectile dysfunction and psychiatric disorders are also not service-connected, with the Board finding that the primary disability (prostate cancer) is not connected to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted, with the diagnosis being related to in-service stressors. Tinnitus was also found to have its onset during service.,Service connection is established for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and tinnitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, and hiatal hernia as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected epigastric abdominal disability is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent, and his psychiatric disability (including depression) and respiratory disability (including asthma) are found to be secondary to this condition. The cardiac disability has not been addressed in detail as it was not included in the issues presented.

The Board has determined that additional VA and private treatment records are needed, as well as another examination for the Veteran's right ankle strain, right and left foot disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain these records and examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the appellant's claimed stressor and to obtain additional medical opinions. The appeal will be considered again after these actions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's headaches and GERD are service-connected. However, there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder or a sleep disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and renal insufficiency, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and concluding that the renal insufficiency is not related to herbicide exposure or service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened, but the Board denied his claims for increased ratings and effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to failure to substantially comply with prior remand directives.

The Board found that the Appellant did not have current bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues were also addressed but are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is caused by her service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine and hallux valgus deformity. Her headaches are caused by her service-connected asthma. For the period from February 17, 2006 to April 13, 2016, she exhibited symptoms consistent with mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for left lower extremity sciatica and for right lower extremity sciatica. For the period from April 14, 2016 forward, she exhibited symptoms consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for left lower extremity sciatica. For the period from July 6, 2016 forward, she exhibited symptoms consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for right lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was timely filed on August 14, 1992. Therefore, an effective date of August 14, 1992 is granted.

The Veteran's sinus disorder, diagnosed as vasomotor rhinitis, was incurred during his period of active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting service connection for this condition. For the psychiatric and sleep apnea claims, additional VA medical opinions are needed to address all relevant evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability did not begin in service and is not etiologically related to service. The Veteran does not have PTSD, but has been diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder, Depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding cervical dysplasia. The remaining issues have not been granted as service connection is denied for ulcerative colitis, chronic respiratory disorder, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), left arm paresthesia, pancreas disorder, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pituitary gland disorder, headache disorders, and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The Veteran is also granted a temporary 100 percent rating for PTSD from July 27, 2009 to September 30, 2009, and TDIU effective April 4, 2013.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining verification of stressor events and seeking VA evaluations or treatment records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his sleep disorder, skin disorders, and acquired psychiatric disorder.