Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression) due to incomplete explanations in previous VA opinions, lack of a confirmed stressor event for PTSD, and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a schizoaffective disorder. The evidence submitted since the last final decision was found to be cumulative and did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a VA examination and because of new evidence indicating that his symptoms have worsened.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, PTSD, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of verified in-service stressor and insufficient evidence linking current disorders to service.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for headaches and psychiatric disorders, as well as her TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and updated medical records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's right acoustic neuroma and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted service connection, with the latter being reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims, particularly regarding his service-connected conditions and exposure to Agent Orange. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is reopened. The claims for osteoarthritis of the shoulders, hands, and back are denied. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for low back disability and psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board.

The Veteran's service connection claims for high cholesterol, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and Type II diabetes mellitus have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted for high cholesterol as it is a laboratory finding. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. His hypertension did not manifest with diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control. And his diabetes mellitus was not managed through regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder including bipolar disorder and depression (other than PTSD), and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective January 3, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU from January 3, 2011 to March 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back, left hip, left knee, right knee, and psychiatric disorders. The VA treatment records from the relevant time period are needed to make a determination.

The Veteran's right thumb fracture is granted an initial 10 percent rating from August 27, 2013. The remaining issues of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, left leg/knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's initial maximum schedular disability rating of 50 percent for a headache disability and an initial disability rating of 50 percent, but no more for his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) with anxiety disorder not otherwise specified and alcohol abuse have been granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's hip disabilities, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The claims are being returned for further development including VA examinations.