Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions and insufficient evidence to establish a link between them and his military service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to assess his service-connected psychiatric disability, lumbar spine and knee disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for various knee disabilities and service connection claims, including those related to psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea, hand and shoulder conditions, eye disorders, hearing loss, migraine headaches, and knee disorders. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has denied service connection for the cause of death on a direct basis due to schizophrenia and psychosis, which is not related to military service. The appeal has been remanded for further consideration under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received since the November 2014 rating decision. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being reconsidered as they may be related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with moderate spondylosis (claimed as back injury), requesting additional medical opinion regarding the onset and relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is service-connected based on evidence showing a link between his military service and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD, but a diagnosis of major depression is found.

The Veteran's skin cancer claim has been denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.,PTSD was not granted as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in the record.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders were denied as not incurred or aggravated by service.,Obstructive sleep apnea was also denied as unrelated to service. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and erectile dysfunction are currently under consideration due to their potential secondary relationship with his psychiatric condition.,The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the PTSD claim and for the erectile dysfunction claim.

The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and temporary total evaluation are dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of a head injury (dizziness, disorientation, and loss of memory), seizure disorder, and a disability manifested by loss of vision. The appeals are granted as to these reopened issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for schizophrenia and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit due to continuous symptoms of schizophrenia since service separation. The Board also found that schizophrenia was first diagnosed in service, with chronic symptoms present during service and continuing post-service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted service connection for other trauma and stressor related disorder and panic disorder. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, and a back disorder have all been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The appeal of the issue of service connection for skin cancer is dismissed. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient rationale in the VA medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraines is granted, with a 50 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is also granted, but only to a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied reopening the claim for service connection of a left knee disability and granted service connection for PTSD. The right knee issue is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied it on the merits. The case is remanded to provide a VA examination and address the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder) is denied as there is no clear and convincing evidence linking it to service.