Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and schizophrenia. The claim for increased rating of diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability, hepatitis C, and migraines has been reopened. The rating for hepatitis C remains at 20 percent as the evidence does not support higher ratings due to lack of symptoms such as weight loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus grants service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information in the examination report regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability. The issues of service connection for a back disability, left wrist disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability are all pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a sleep disorder, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence showing that both conditions pre-existed service and were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claims for tinnitus, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and Anxiety Disorder) are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen his previously denied claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disability due to incomplete records. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his medical care since service, including seeking private treatment records from a surgeon who performed back surgery in 2010. Mental health records are also requested.

The Veteran's low back disability, including DDD and HNP, is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or due to a disease or injury in service.,Her bilateral hip disability, including GT bursitis, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,The Veteran's bilateral dry eye condition (DES and conjunctivitis) is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Genital herpes is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her gynecological disability, including uterine fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, dysmenorrhea and post-partner infection, is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Her psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST and depressive disorder) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her headache disorder is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her respiratory condition (asthma and left hilar lymphadenopathy) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and residuals of a left foot fracture due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding podiatry records.,The Veteran is advised to provide valid contact information for his podiatrist so that relevant medical records can be requested.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and insomnia, is rated at a 30 percent rating since October 26, 2015. The Veteran also has service-connected disabilities that meet the schedular requirement for TDIU; however, these do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a right and left leg condition, denied the claim for a back disorder, and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is being considered on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service records, particularly those related to Active Duty Training and Inactive Duty Training.

The claims for service connection for defective vision; presbyopia, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as mental health condition) to include PTSD are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and verification of in-service stressors. The issues include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, hair loss, skin disability, dental disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's conditions, while rated at 70% each, do not meet the criteria for SMP benefits due to need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

Service connection is denied for left hip disability, right hip disability, and right knee disability.,Service connection is denied for acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder).,The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete information regarding stressor events. The Veteran's conditions are being evaluated based on direct service connection.