Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for spondylolisthesis, an acquired psychiatric condition secondary to spondylolisthesis, and residuals of a gunshot wound to the upper iliac crest area with neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's VA treatment records from 1982 to 2012 need to be obtained, as well as any SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral arm scars due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a 10 percent evaluation for a painful hernia scar. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded due to the Veteran not submitting current treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his service connection claims, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board determined that her symptoms do not warrant an increased rating to 50 percent or above.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability and OSA is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of frost bite of the left foot and right foot are remanded as VA treatment records may contain relevant information.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder requires a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is part of her increased rating claims, which also require additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete VA examination and the need for additional records, particularly from American Lake VAMC.

The Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) education benefits due to insufficient active duty service and discharge from National Guard/Reserves.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's representative requested a VA examination for his mental health issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and adjustment disorder) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for tuberculosis is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is granted. Service connection for hepatitis C is denied.,A disability manifested by cramps in the thighs and legs has not been established.,Service connection for a hammertoe of the right foot has not been established.,Allergic rhinitis did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,Hypertension did not have its onset in service; did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; and is not otherwise related to service.,Erectile dysfunction did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,A prostate disorder did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,Toenail fungus did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,An acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were initially denied due to his service-connected disabilities not constituting an employment handicap. However, a significant change in his disability picture has occurred since the initial denial, including new service connection for hepatitis C and hypertension. The Board now requires a functional capacity evaluation to determine if he currently suffers from an employment handicap.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, effective from March 16, 2012. The Veteran is also being asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a right wrist disorder, back disorder, neck disorder, left knee strain, and right knee disorder are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Veteran reported an onset during active duty and the VA examiner opined that excessive noise exposure may have been a precursor to tinnitus at that time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his incarceration, requiring VA to secure updated medical records and arrange for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any disabilities claimed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability was denied due to lack of evidence of current disability and no direct link between the claimed condition and service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) was also denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during service or any link to service.,The Board found that while the Veteran reported traumatic events, there is insufficient medical evidence to establish a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spondylosis, bilateral hearing loss, high cholesterol, heart condition (to include as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea), migraines, and an acquired psychiatric condition have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted because the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bipolar disorder is granted for the period prior to April 17, 2017. For the period beginning April 17, 2017, the claim is denied as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.