Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD with anxiety and depression) due to military sexual trauma is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis with nasal polyps and eustachian tube dysfunction, and variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders (including dysthymia and adjustment disorder). Service connection was denied for deviated nasal septum.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and insomnia, is granted service connection. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from October 31, 2010 to April 3, 2019. The decision found that the service-connected conditions alone rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board will consider reopening his claims and assigning appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition was denied, and the appeal is dismissed.,Service connection for a back condition has been reopened due to new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran’s back condition was aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.,Service connection for psoriasis has been granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.,The claim for service connection for arthritis (secondary to right knee disability) is remanded. The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the arthritis is a progression of the service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection for a psychiatric condition (depression) has been granted as it is at least as likely as not aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a heart condition. Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims for service connection for a heart condition and restoration of a hearing loss rating are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective January 1, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disability, left knee disability, and skin disability due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right arm disorder, finding no current disability related to the Veteran's military service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a compression fracture of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for ischemic heart disease, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), anxiety, and depression, and a lung disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inability to conduct VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the in-service psychiatric symptoms were a manifestation of a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records show that he was treated for manic depressive psychosis and had recurrent disturbing dreams and daytime hallucinations during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, left hand and right hand disorders, and left knee disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for larynx disorder, finding no direct or secondary relationship to active service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety) was also denied.,There is no evidence of a direct causal relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his active service.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection have not been properly adjudicated and requires further development.

The Board has denied DIC benefits due to the Veteran not meeting the criteria for a disability rated totally disabling for 10 or more years immediately preceding death. The cause of death is remanded as an addendum opinion from a clinician is needed regarding whether any service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for coronary heart disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection is denied for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,The Veteran's dementia, hypertension, heart attack (stroke), peripheral vascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and kidney renal insufficiency are remanded for further analysis regarding their relationship to his period of service or service-connected conditions.,Accrued benefits for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status is also remanded.