Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The low back disability claim is being remanded for a VA examination, while the psychiatric disorder claim requires an opinion on whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his left knee disability, and for an examination to verify in-service stressors and assess any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for low back pain and remanded the issue of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's new evidence includes private treatment records, VA treatment records, and a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, numbness of the hands, acquired psychiatric disability, neck disability, and sleep apnea. The Board finds that further development is required to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorders. The initial hearing loss evaluation remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, is rated at 50 percent prior to October 15, 2019. The rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,After October 15, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition was previously denied, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examinations were not sufficient to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee strain with patellar tendinitis is remanded.

Service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied, as the Veteran's current symptoms are more likely related to age rather than service. The case of bilateral ankle disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability due to potential in-service exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that he served in Vietnam or Thailand. The AOJ is instructed to take additional steps to confirm this information and provide a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current persistent depressive disorder is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for finding that the VA examinations complied with its instructions. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining an addendum opinion.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for schizophrenia due to a need for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion on whether the condition is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to issues with stressor verification and a need for a new VA opinion.

The Veteran's initial rating for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is denied as his diabetes does not require insulin or regulation of activities. The service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability, including DDD and osteoarthritis, is also denied due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or a nexus to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, dysthymia, and sleep disturbances due to potential presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete medical opinions in previous decisions.