Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and acquired psychiatric disorder were denied, but his claim for venereal disease was not addressed. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression).

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, depressive disorder with alcohol abuse, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, atypical psychotic disturbance, atypical neurologic or cognitive impairment, affective disorder and PTSD is remanded due to the presence of new evidence that may support these claims.

The Veteran's paranoid schizophrenia is granted a 100 percent initial disability rating throughout the entire appeal period, and his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, effective December 22, 2014. The decision was made after he submitted evidence in support of this benefit within one year following his initial service connection award.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia manifested to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service, establishing a causal connection between his current disability and service. Therefore, service connection for schizophrenia is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic headaches, and sleep apnea due to errors in duty to assist. The issues are being reconsidered as new evidence was submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's paranoid schizophrenia is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for meningioma status post resection and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as secondary service connection for cranial nerve paralysis and left leg sciatic nerve paralysis, all of which were deemed not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective November 5, 2019. The decision also grants a retroactive effective date of May 15, 2017 for the increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic orchitis and IBS with gastritis, but the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an autoimmune disease (Sjogren's syndrome) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay assertions regarding his right wrist symptoms and the VA examiner's opinion. The case is now pending for a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, right knee, and right ankle tendonitis. The decision is based on a lack of current diagnoses meeting DSM criteria for PTSD and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus, right toe injury, and knee disorders are related to service. The claims are remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are not granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a chronic back disorder, psychiatric disorder, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining investigation reports related to her military sexual trauma (MST) allegations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a sleep disorder due to potential issues with obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition(s).