Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the VA did not substantially comply with its August 2018 remand instructions and thus, the cases are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's left knee disability was restored to a 30 percent rating.,An initial rating of 30 percent for Major Depressive Disorder prior to July 6, 2015 was denied. However, from July 6, 2015 onwards, the Veteran received increased ratings up to 70 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder may be related to his military service, but needs further examination and evidence to make a determination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, is granted. The issue of secondary service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to service-connected panic disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded four issues: service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). Additional evidence is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's mental disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was previously denied in a final January 2013 rating decision. The Board has now reopened the claim due to new and material evidence, but the issue of whether the condition is related to service remains unresolved.

The Board has decided that further development is needed for the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The remand includes verifying the specific dates of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA) during the Veteran's Air National Guard service from April 1990 to March 2000.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and PTSD due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as any acquired psychiatric disability. The decision is pending further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's alleged stressors in service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations and his inability to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any skin disability affecting his feet and acquired psychiatric disorder during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity is denied as a matter of law. The Board also remanded several other claims related to the Veteran's right knee, gastrointestinal condition, psychiatric disorder, low back condition, radiculopathy, chronic sinusitis, and headaches.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied, but her right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety), and multiple sclerosis claims are still pending.

The Board has determined that the NODs received on August 23, 2017 were timely for all issues except PTSD. The claims are being remanded to allow the AOJ to issue a statement of the case (SOC) for those issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for clarification on the nature of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder. The claims for service connection are also pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, a sleep disorder (RLS), and a headache disorder (migraines) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation higher than 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a scar of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation higher than 10 percent prior to May 29, 2018 and higher than 40 percent from that date for low back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a separate evaluation for bilateral sciatic radicular pain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, headaches, and a psychiatric disorder (including depression) due to additional development being necessary. This includes obtaining records from his service period in May 1985, private medical records, and VA examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including sarcoidosis, PTSD, depressive disorder, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, bilateral shin splints, and headaches. The appeals are pending further adjudication.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disorder, and a bilateral knee disorder have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a link between the current conditions and service.

The Board has denied service connection for rectal cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, kidney cancer, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,For type II diabetes mellitus, kidney cancer, and hypertension, the Board has ordered that the Veteran provide any relevant private treatment records from Fort Gordon where he was hospitalized during his period of service. For irritable bowel syndrome, the Board has ordered that the Veteran provide information about his alleged hospitalization at Fort Gordon.,For an acquired psychiatric disability, the Board has ordered that the Veteran provide information about his alleged hospitalization at Fort Gordon.