Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been granted service connection. The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of vitamin D deficiency, sleep apnea, kidney condition, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran will be provided with further examinations and records are sought.

The Board has denied service connection for blurred vision and rheumatoid arthritis/degenerative bone disease, but has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a current disability or a link to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood and major depression due to lack of evidence showing a causal relationship between his in-service symptoms and current condition.

The Board has vacated the portion of its November 2018 decision that denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The application is granted, and the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's schizophrenia is granted as service connected, but his loss of concentration claim is denied.,The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Specified Depressive Disorder, is rated at a 70 percent effective from October 16, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disease and acquired psychiatric disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service connection for IBS was granted with an effective date of June 18, 2014. An initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) prior to December 2, 2014 and a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter were granted. The Veteran's headaches received an initial 30 percent rating, with no more than this level. His skin disability was rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. A reduction in his neck disability rating from 30% to 20% was found improper and void ab initio. An increased rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy was granted, as well as a compensable rating for a surgical neck scar.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals of the feet and hands have been granted service connection.,Service connection has also been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder diagnosed as adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The examiner will assess whether his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service or if they were caused by other factors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and acquired psychiatric disorders due to new evidence received since the last rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran's lay assertions regarding his psychiatric symptoms during boot camp will be considered, along with VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a gastrointestinal disability that may be secondary to a psychiatric disability. The Veteran's mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, are inextricably intertwined with his gastrointestinal symptoms.

Service connection for hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder), and obstructive sleep apnea has been granted.,The Veteran's hypertension is considered to be due to his active service.

The Board has reopened several previously denied claims but has not granted service connection for any of the conditions. The decision is mixed, with some issues being remanded and others having new evidence received that does not meet the criteria for reopening.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, herpes, sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,All outstanding records should be obtained, including private and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's schizophrenia.