Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has remanded both his initial rating claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) has been granted. The Board found new and material evidence in the form of the Veteran’s testimony and a private treatment record, leading to the reopening of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension due to inextricably intertwined issues. The examiner is asked to provide a new opinion on whether the Veteran's schizophrenia was aggravated by his period of ACDUTRA.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for a right leg disability, left leg disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), high blood pressure (hypertension), and back disability.,There is no evidence of any chronic or progressive conditions in service that could be linked to current disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, to include mental illness related to chemical defoliate exposure due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims for his service-connected low back, neck, and psychiatric disabilities prior to June 3, 2011 were denied as the evidence did not show that he was unemployable due to these conditions alone.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to missing documentation from June 2016 to January 2020. The Veteran's original claims remain on appeal and need to be readjudicated with all relevant evidence included.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, shingles, headaches, and a sleep disorder. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,While the Veteran provided statements asserting he experienced symptoms related to these conditions during service, there is no credible supporting evidence that any in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear causation or aggravation. The AOJ should obtain medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and headaches.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, cirrhosis of the liver, and bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability and radiculopathy are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the proper standard regarding the presumption of soundness for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA medical opinions provided in November 2014 and November 2017 concluded that the Veteran’s current depressive and anxiety disorders were likely related to childhood sexual trauma, but did not consider whether it was clear and unmistakable that the disorder preexisted service or if it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 10% and his acquired psychiatric disability is not service-connected. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10% for the period prior to October 19, 2017, and denied service connection for the acquired psychiatric disability. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety condition and panic disorder), a low back condition, and a right hip condition have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,New evidence has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, a right hip condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, rhinitis, and ulcer disorder with gastritis due to potential issues with evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis caused his sleep apnea. The claim for increased rating of allergic rhinitis remains pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not service-connected, and the Board has remanded for further development.,The Veteran's COPD may be service-connected if VA can establish a link to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and compensation claims due to the Veteran's death.