Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Board denied the service connection for a preexisting acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that it was not aggravated by active service.

The appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, but he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 as his service-connected disabilities were not rated at 100% disabling for a period of 10 or more years prior to his death and he was not in receipt of compensation due to one of the reasons listed in 38 C.F.R. § 3.22(b). The cause of death is remanded, as well as the DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and unverified service records. The appellant is required to provide updated information on his service history, correct mailing address, and any private treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been granted a disability rating of 70 percent. The case is remanded for further examination and determination regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. A new VA examination is required as the previous one did not consider the possibility of a current diagnosis of PTSD and may have been incomplete.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not found sufficient evidence to grant service connection for all issues. The bilateral elbow disability claim is denied as new and material evidence was submitted, while back and left hip disabilities are reopened due to new evidence. Service connection for these conditions secondary to a service-connected left knee condition is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.,Service connection for right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, low back disability, hepatitis C, and tinnitus has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right knee with foot drop. The claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, left foot condition, tinnitus, and right eye condition are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of bangs and bruises, hearing loss, residuals of frostbite, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder) have been dismissed due to withdrawal by his representative in November 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include left eye condition, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral SNHL, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for a lower back disability due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The low back disability claim is remanded as it depends on the outcome of the left ankle disability claim, which also needs a new VA examination. Right ear hearing loss requires a new VA examination to assess its relation to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim also needs a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his sexual assault during service, and further examination is needed to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these claims. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was not aggravated by his military service and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The Veteran's asthma is denied a rating in excess of 10 percent. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is remanded for further examination and opinion.