Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has decided to remand these cases back to VA for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's hyperthyroidism is granted as service-connected due to exposure to low iodine in the drinking water during his Vietnam service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on combat experience and reported stressors. Depression secondary to coronary artery disease and PTSD is also granted.,Bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.,Ischemic heart disease due to thyroid disability is presumed service-connected, but the Veteran's heart disability was not diagnosed by medical professionals during his lifetime. Secondary service connection for depression is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to new evidence submitted. The claims are remanded for further development regarding exposure to Agent Orange and verification of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, esophageal cancer, and a psychiatric disorder due to in-service asbestos exposure. The claims are also remanded for stressor development and an examination.

The Veteran's initial hearing loss ratings for both ears are denied, and his claim for service connection of PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) claims need further examination and evaluation before a final decision can be made.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder prior to November 19, 2015. The issue of entitlement to an increased initial rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder is still pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for Tourette's syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disability due to incomplete records, specifically Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The Veteran is currently receiving SSA benefits but the specific conditions are not known.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and a back disability, as well as TDIU. The cases are being returned to the AOJ for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bursitis and arthralgia of multiple joints, CFS, mild obstructive airflow disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder for purposes of eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 due to his withdrawal at a hearing. Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disorder, rash of the shoulders and armpits, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression). The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and sinusitis, but denied service connection for IBS. The claims of service connection for a disability manifesting as a cough, left foot disability, acquired psychiatric disability, initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and initial compensable rating for acne are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as increased ratings for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease. Additional development is needed to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) due to failure to respond to VA examination notifications.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ear hearing loss and right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure and combat stressors, respectively. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements about his experiences during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a liver disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder) due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a heart disorder including coronary artery disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and insomnia due to outstanding VA treatment records and further medical examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, whether he has an additional disability due to VA treatment in 2010, and the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, hip, great toe, cervical spine, hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities. The Board also requires a new examination for these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, but denied service connection for PTSD and headaches.