Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and right knee disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, specifically insomnia and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ is instructed to secure a new opinion from a qualified VA medical professional.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the period of February 2, 2012 through January 29, 2013 due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), cirrhosis of the liver, and ischemic heart disease.

The Board has reopened the claim for VA benefits including health care under Chapter 17, Title 38 for military service in the United States Air Force from May 20, 1981 to August 11, 1987 due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding whether the appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than major depressive disorder (MDD), finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was granted. Service connection for bilateral cataracts and glaucoma due to diabetes mellitus was also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for mandible disorder, spine disorder (claimed as degenerative arthritis), and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence or incomplete development. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and verify a reported stressor related to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability with left upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and psychiatric disability due to outstanding inpatient/clinical records from March 1976 to May 1977 at Orlando Naval Hospital. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain these records directly from the hospital.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the initial rating for ischemic heart disease and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision is based on the need for additional medical records, particularly from a nuclear stress test and electrocardiogram results, as well as mental health treatment records.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative lumbar spondylosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as these issues involve secondary service connection. The VA examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's contentions regarding his back condition and mental health problems.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) as there is no confirmed current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a functional effects examination. The appeal will be reconsidered after these documents are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, and polysubstance dependence are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The Veteran’s petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, kidney disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to service connection issues. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiologies of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a left ankle disability, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of VA examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury, right ankle condition, and right foot condition secondary to his service-connected knee condition has been remanded. The claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (schizoaffective disorder) have also been reopened but the issue remains pending as a new diagnosis is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU due to inadequate consideration of his lay statements regarding the onset of his disabilities during service.