Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings from May 19, 2011, through May 6, 2019, or from May 7, 2019. The Board also found that he could secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 17, 2019.

The Veteran's right jaw disability, RLE and LLE radiculopathy were granted service connection. The Veteran's TBI/head injury with acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. Ratings for RLE and LLE radiculopathy were granted at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to new evidence indicating increased severity of the Veteran's psychiatric condition, as well as potential issues with service connection for back disability, left leg condition, and right leg condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to obtain missing service treatment records and determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, arachnoid cyst, and headaches. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorders. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 19, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further review.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include consideration of whether service-connection is warranted for any psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder. A remand is needed to fully develop the record by obtaining a new examination with an appropriate clinician.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The examiner is requested to provide a clear opinion on whether the Veteran's current condition had its onset during service or is related to his in-service symptoms and diagnosis.

The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, right knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, esophageal disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), and erectile dysfunction are all remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, right knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, esophageal disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), and erectile dysfunction are all remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's Personality Disorder and Acquired Psychiatric Disorders are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,Service connection for Gastrointestinal Disorder (IBS) and Hypertension is remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence. The issues of hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a first metatarsal base osteotomy of the right foot, psychiatric disability (presumed to be depression and anxiety), and back disability have been granted. The service connection for these conditions is reopened.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and kidney cancer were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depressive disorder) is granted. The case of service connection for sinusitis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depressive disorder) is granted. The case of service connection for sinusitis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep disability, headache disability, and psychiatric disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for a back disability is also remanded. The TDIU claim is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disorders, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded due to a pre-decisional error in not obtaining an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders were caused by or related to service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the newly received military personnel records were not relevant to the outcome and did not affect the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his military service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot disability and an acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical records, including VA treatment records and private treatment records from Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare and Clearview Recovery Center. A VA examination will be conducted for both conditions.