Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically a depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected Grave’s disease and headache disorder. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, the in-service stressors are not sufficient to establish a traumatic event leading to PTSD, and there is insufficient evidence linking bipolar disorder to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and bipolar disorder, first manifested during active duty service. The claim is granted, and an initial rating of 30 percent for bilateral collapsing pes planovalgus deformity prior to June 29, 2011 is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim for tinnitus was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claims for a sleep disorder, psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder), and tension headaches were all denied based on insufficient evidence.

The claims for service connection for psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, left knee disability, pseudofolliculitis of the scalp, and tonsillitis have all been denied. The Veteran's applications to reopen these claims were not successful.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a back disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and a panic disorder) due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, both found to be related to the Veteran's in-service TBI.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is reopened and the appeal is granted. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development of records.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and headaches. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for a psychiatric examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, drug dependency, and alcoholism, are related to in-service head trauma.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, sleep disorder, hypertension, heart disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and psychiatric disorder. The appellant's claims were not supported by competent, credible evidence of record.,Service connection was not established as the preponderance of the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board denied the request to reverse a previous rating decision that denied service connection for paranoid schizophrenia, finding no clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to withdraw his claims for service connection for TMJ and vertigo. The Board also found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is service-connected, as are his acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's low back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The claims for increased ratings for the right knee, left knee repair, and limitation of flexion secondary to degenerative joint disease in the left knee are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate was denied as he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disability, paranoid schizophrenia.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen claims of service connection for tinnitus and hepatitis C is granted. On de novo review, service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood), and obstructive sleep apnea. The effective date issue is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, fatigue, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety), and sleep disorder are related to her treatment at VA facilities. The claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a right thigh condition. The low back, left leg, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric conditions (to include PTSD) are all denied as they have not been established by the evidence of record.