Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for psychiatric disorder and neck disability, both secondary to a service-connected disability, are remanded due to procedural issues. The VA is also instructed to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected low back, sciatic nerve impingement, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10%, and his chronic headache disorder, hypertension, and psychiatric disability are all service-connected. The Board has found the Veteran should be provided VA examinations to determine if his sleep apnea is related to his active duty or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military noise exposure. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, as secondary to his service-connected status post left inguinal hernia repair disability is remanded. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected status post left inguinal hernia repair is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his COPD and determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as whether any such disorders are related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for amblyopia, TBI residuals, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been reopened. The claim for amblyopia is granted as the preexisting condition did not worsen during active service. The claims for TBI residuals and headaches are denied due to lack of evidence supporting a current injury or illness in service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied because his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are granted service connection, but PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals in April 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, lung condition, psychiatric disorder, and prostate problems.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected psychiatric, headache, and bilateral feet disorders was denied as the evidence did not demonstrate a factual need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and psychosis, has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for further evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of schizophrenia was denied as he did not seek this connection until December 15, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to consider whether a temporary total rating for convalescence beyond October 31, 2016, for the residuals of right knee surgery should be granted and if so, whether TDIU should also be granted. Additional development is needed as there are records from an infectious disease specialist that have not been obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of service and post-service records, including missing VA Lakeside Hospital records and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are being evaluated again with additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's schizophrenia.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left wrist disability, and scars on the abdomen due to incomplete development of evidence. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain relevant private medical records.

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hypertension, as well as the claims for bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Service connection has been granted for pseudophakia, cataracts, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fracture of the upper one-half, acetabulum posterior rim (right hip injury) has been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include depression is granted as secondary to service-connected vertigo. The claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to military sexual trauma (MST) and the TDIU claim are remanded.