Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and schizophrenia, finding that his current psychiatric disorders had their onset during service or are otherwise related to active service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of PTSD based on any in-service stressor. The Board also found no evidence linking current psychiatric disorders to service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a respiratory disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA is instructed to obtain updated records from the Mohawk Correctional Facility, schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions, and consider the correctional facility records in their decision.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been denied as the new evidence received does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness for pre-existing disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the lack of adequate notice regarding a requested VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including hip disabilities and psychiatric disorders, have been reopened. The cases are remanded to determine the appropriate service connection based on new evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The right shoulder condition is remanded as it may be related to her service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and OSA. The issues of right knee disability, low back disability, and right foot or ankle disability are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active military service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains on appeal. The RO has assigned a 10 percent rating effective June 17, 2015 for the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disability including COPD secondary to asbestos exposure is remanded as he has not been afforded a VA examination in this regard.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral glaucoma, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities, were all denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for right ankle and wrist conditions, but has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder, were caused or aggravated by his service exposure during the L.A. riots.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to various conditions have been remanded due to new evidence received since previous decisions.,Service connection is denied for a right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be the primary cause of his headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee strain residuals, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder to include a depressive disorder are granted. The Veteran's claim for gastrointestinal and sleep disorders is remanded due to incomplete military records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a neck injury, avulsion fracture of the bridge of the nose, and psychiatric disorder to allow for further development due to the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to decide the claims and requires further development. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, polysubstance abuse versus dependence, psychotic disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, MDD, bipolar disorder, substance induced psychosis/delirium, and personality disorders are remanded for additional examination and consideration of all available records.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to determine if he has any current psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to his service. The hearing loss claim also requires a VA examination.