Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current disability had in-service onset.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance are granted. The right hand burn scar residuals rating is remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the lack of a VA examination addressing the relationship between his immune, joint, sinus, pulmonary, psychiatric, and hypertension disabilities and active service. The Veteran is also required to provide information about any private healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left ankle disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claims are being returned to VA for further development, including examinations.

The Board dismissed the appeal as it is moot due to the appellant's death, and no further action can be taken on this matter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, finding that it did not manifest in service and is unrelated to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis has been granted, with a 40% rating effective from December 23, 2010. The TDIU claim is also remanded.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from December 23, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or proximately due to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of schizophrenia has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to conflicting evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 1, 2016 is denied as he was gainfully employed. The Veteran's schizophrenia is currently rated at 70 percent and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD, insomnia, and depression), initial compensable rating for residuals of a left 5th phalanx fracture, service connection for bilateral lower extremity lymphedema, and service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Board found that further development is needed in these cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions regarding his back condition and acquired psychiatric condition. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records, schedule examinations if necessary, and provide an adequate opinion on the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including paranoid schizophrenia, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during active duty or within one year post-service. The Board also found that any current psychiatric disability is not causally related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to inadequate examination findings and outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at 50 percent prior to October 31, 2016 and 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2019.,The Veteran's psychiatric disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to October 31, 2016 or 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's myxoid liposarcoma and its relationship to her secondary conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and needs to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and asthma, finding no evidence to support these claims.