Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decisions were made.

The Board denied service connection for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there was no causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's appeals regarding effective dates for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the reopening of a claim for service connection for a left knee disability, have been dismissed. The Board also remanded several other issues including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, rating for lumbar spine disability, initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and chloracne. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to the need for further verification of exposure and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened, and service connection for schizophrenia is granted. The case is remanded to assign the appropriate rating and determine eligibility for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance/housebound.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's right hip disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's heart condition and prostate cancer are granted service connection. The remaining issues, including back pain, respiratory disability, hypertension, GERD, and psychiatric disorder, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss have been granted, with a 50% disability rating for the psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with the duty to assist, specifically regarding an inadequate medical report. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is now pending and will be reviewed again.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure and the current disability is not related to service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted as service connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claims for hypertension, gout, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's back disorder was granted service connection. The remaining claims for various other disorders were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD with sleep disturbance) due to conflicting opinions on whether the Veteran's ADHD existed prior to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, depression, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, arthritis, grand mal seizures, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, and lung disorder due to exposure to herbicides and asbestos. The appellant is required to submit new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his depression began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical opinions and treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD (including major depressive disorder) is dismissed. The claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine are also remanded.