Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic headaches, a periodontal disorder, and a TBI. Additional evidence is needed to verify alleged stressors, obtain VA treatment records, and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's son, R.W. III, was permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as dysthymia (a persistent depressive disorder), is found to be etiologically related to his active service and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for eczema, a psychiatric disability including depression, Gilbert's disease, and G6PD deficiency. The issues of service connection for Gilbert's disease and G6PD deficiency are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome with major depressive-like episodes and with anxious distress) as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The decision on these issues will be reconsidered after further evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The claims for an acquired psychiatric condition, increased disability ratings for a low back disability and bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, thrombosis, poor circulation, and edema. The SMC claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with other issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the relationship between active duty service and any current disabilities. The Veteran is presumed to have incurred these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and alcohol abuse disorder are granted service connection. Bilateral elbow disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder are denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)/mental disorder other than PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, eczema (skin condition), erectile dysfunction, a back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and dysthymia. The decision finds that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his reported traumatic experiences in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 25, 2017, for a 100 percent rating for unspecified schizophrenia disorder with depressed mood and anxiety is denied as there was no CUE in previous decisions. The evidence does not show that the disability warranted such a high rating within one year prior to the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and his military service. An addendum opinion is required from an appropriate clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the issues of service connection for psychiatric disabilities (PTSD and MDD) and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus. The examiner is asked to address whether the Veteran's DM is related to in-service chemical exposure and whether it is aggravated by any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of inpatient treatment records from Fort Bliss Hospital and the Veteran's service personnel file, which could provide important context for the claim.