Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for chondromalacia of the left knee was granted, and a rating of 70 percent for schizophrenia was granted. The claims for varicose vein of the left testicle and increased rating for schizophrenia were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia has been reopened, and the Board is remanding it for further development. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for schizophrenia will also be considered concurrently.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The issues of service connection for a kidney/bladder disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder remain remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected schizophrenia and a nonservice-connected inoperable brain tumor was granted, effective from the date of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right-hand disorder, spinal cord injury, skin condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted since the July 2009 decision was deemed not new or material.

The appeal is remanded due to issues with service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased rating for back disability, and increased rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's period of service from June 21, 2007, to June 26, 2009, is considered a bar to receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied effective October 31, 2013.,Effective dates prior to October 31, 2013, are not warranted for the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence and requests for updated VA examinations, SSA records, and employment education information. The Veteran's disabilities are expected to be evaluated in detail.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia, bilateral elbow disability, fatigue, hypertension, incontinence, thyroid disease, and migraines. Service connection was granted for menstrual issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and mood disorder, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no medical link between the diagnosed condition and an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of TDIU are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's right foot planter fasciitis, degenerative joint disease of the right foot, obstructive sleep apnea, liver disability (fatty liver disease), and psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder) have all been granted service connection. The Veteran also has a left foot disability that is service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of low back pain due to new and material evidence. The acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to sleep apnea. TDIU is granted based on combined disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, insomnia, back disorder, left ankle disorder, heart disorder, lower intestinal disorder, and hemorrhoids. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and employment records from Enterprise. A psychiatric evaluation is also needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's chronic schizophrenia.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims of service connection for other disabilities remain remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected psychiatric disorder and GERD, as well as the reopening of his claims for high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus have been remanded. The TDIU claim has also been added to the appeal.