Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of increased rating for back disability, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left arm and nerve damage due to pacemaker placement, and special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease are remanded as additional evidence is needed. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and finds no evidence to support service connection for these disorders.

The Veteran did not have any pending claims for VA benefits at the time of his death, and there were no unpaid VA benefits. The Board found that accrued benefits cannot be granted because there was no claim for VA benefits pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to his failure to report for VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development, including scheduling new examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) are granted. The claim for the low back disability is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is denied because it does not constitute a disability under VA law and regulations.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied due to lack of a confirmed in-service stressor. The Veteran's records show he was diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right shoulder disorder, both of which were previously denied. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric and hand disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to February 5, 2016 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,A higher disability rating of 30 percent was granted for ischemic heart disease from February 5, 2016. However, this decision is also being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of a back condition, left knee condition, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The new evidence received is sufficient to reopen these claims but does not establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include post-traumatic stress disorder, was denied. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The claim for headaches is also granted as secondary to service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his active service. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and schedule a VA examination.