Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these issues prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for psychiatric disorder, pulmonary disability, skin disability, and neurological disability. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral cataracts. The Veteran's current diagnosis of congenital bilateral cataracts is not related to service, nor are his acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, or bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's appeal involves her claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD due to MST. The Board has determined that a new examination is needed as the previous VA examinations did not adequately address the significance of the Veteran's lay statements regarding her social behavior changes during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his testimony at the Board hearing.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate a physical deformity of the penis necessary for a compensable rating under DC 7522.,Service connection has been established for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was linked to his in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be linked to his exposure to herbicide agents during his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service at CFB Gagetown. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD with depression and anxiety, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for left wrist disability is pending as it requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for thyroiditis and tinnitus, but his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The Veteran's sinusitis claim requires additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the issues of higher ratings for left hand, thigh gunshot wounds, and neurological residuals. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board found no current psychiatric disability and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder.,There is no current diagnosis of nervous twitching, and the Veteran's statements were not supported by objective findings during VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to his service. The claim will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of mandibular prognathism and malocclusion, claimed as scars of the face and neck. The Veteran testified during his July 2017 Travel Board hearing that he experienced symptoms such as painful, itchy scars on his face and neck, a burning sensation, and choking sensations since his in-service surgery to correct his mandibular prognathism and malocclusion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 31, 2007 for the grant of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The Veteran was previously rated for insomnia and PTSD together since June 25, 1994 (the day following his separation from active duty). Effective January 31, 2007, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disability, including schizoaffective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, did not increase in severity during his period of active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA opinion to determine when each of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities first manifested, including depression, anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia NOS. The effective date for service connection will be determined based on this new information.