Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2021

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus prior to June 1, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right hammer toes, entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left hammer toes, and entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD is linked to an in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

Service connection granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.,Service connection denied for hyper-umbilical pain and left hydrocele, claimed as a groin injury.

The Veteran's right index finger scar is granted a 10 percent rating, but no higher. The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding bilateral foot pain and psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) and sleep apnea. The appeal regarding entitlement to a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, and a sleep condition to include insomnia due to lack of compliance with previous remand orders. The Veteran's claim for service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's stroke residuals are not service-connected, and the claim for secondary psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disability) impact his ability to work, warranting referral for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about in-service stressors and the need for additional psychiatric treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with these new pieces of evidence.

The Board has vacated its June 29, 2020 decision denying a TDIU due to the Veteran not being properly notified of his scheduled VA examination for his service-connected psychiatric disorder. The case is now remanded to provide proper notice and an opportunity for the Veteran to attend another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for a back disability and acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, as secondary to a non-service-connected back disability. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis during or within one year after service and insufficient credible supporting evidence to establish in-service stressors. The preponderance of the evidence did not support a link between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia has been reopened and is granted. The claims for service connection for skin cancer (melanoma) are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability. The issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, right shoulder disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current intellectual disability and substance abuse were not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not related to his military service. The claim was previously denied in February 2015 and reopened but ultimately denied again due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that additional medical opinions are needed to address whether these conditions were aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing prison treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed again with new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, but his acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood) is denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are part of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to deficiencies in prior VA opinions and the need to address the Veteran's contentions regarding the rigors of service.