Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2021

The Veteran's tension headaches have not been productive of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.,For the period prior to August 7, 2020, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not productive of incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), ankylosis, forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, combined range of motion limited to 170 degrees or less, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour, or the functional equivalent thereof.,From August 7, 2020, the Veteran's cervical spine disability has not been productive of forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, ankylosis, incapacitating episodes as defined by VA regulation, or the functional equivalent thereof.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, and basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension based on the minimum active duty service requirement have been granted.,However, the issue of nonservice-connected pension based on countable income and net worth is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of schizophrenia, to include alcohol/cannabis use disorder, is denied as there was no indication of intent to seek such service connection within one year of the August 1993 denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a mental condition related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further review of the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 4, 2014. The issue is now recharacterized as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of her upper back disability was withdrawn by the appellant.,Service connection for PTSD resulting from military sexual assault during active duty was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, a depressive disorder, and a substance-related disorder), and sleep apnea as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. Additional evidence is needed from VA treatment records and Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is now rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective June 25, 2020.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) has been granted from December 3, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further consideration of the claim.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and diabetes was granted. The claim for right ear hearing loss is denied. Claims for service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the Board did not adequately address his work history and employment status, which could affect his eligibility for a TDIU. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has not been granted for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer residuals, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, or skin disorder.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a psychiatric disorder, and bladder infections as secondary to the service-connected bladder cancer residuals.,Further development is needed to address these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety, is currently rated at 30 percent and denied an increased evaluation.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent for limitation of motion and denied an increased evaluation.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability with recurrent dislocations is currently rated at 20 percent and denied an increased evaluation.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent and denied an increased evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and a sinus condition due to lack of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and esophageal cancer. The issues are related to whether his current conditions are linked to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reopened. The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding stressors and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection for OSA secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is granted. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a bilateral leg disorder, including atherosclerosis and/or peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM are remanded.