Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring another VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, a heart disability (coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease), an acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder with psychosis), and right and left shoulder disabilities. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has found new and material evidence to support these claims. The appeals are granted in part.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left knee conditions, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and low back condition due to potential errors in duty to assist. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and to attempt verification of his deployment in the DMZ. The issues include sleep apnea, heart condition, right hip disability, bilateral knee conditions, acquired psychiatric disorder, low back condition, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between the condition and active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a now service-connected back disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also considered service connected.,The decision does not specify any particular exposure basis or indicate that the appeal was related to the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asbestos exposure, hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of sufficient information in the record to make informed decisions on these issues.

The Board has remanded three matters: an increased rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, a TDIU claim prior to January 9, 2014, and a SMC at the housebound rate. The remand requires additional development including new opinions from VA examiners regarding the Veteran's social and occupational impairment prior to January 9, 2014.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to issues with the April 2021 VA examination not addressing whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically kidney stones and De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to various conditions, including PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, asthma, lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and eye disorders. The appeal is being returned to the RO to attempt to obtain records from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a cervical spine condition, hypertension, and a headache condition. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings and service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence not previously considered by the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia as aggravated in the line of duty, reopening the claim due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's current condition is at least in equipoise with aggravation during his period of active duty for training.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, but there is no valid diagnosis for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than MDD).

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and securing VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left hip disabilities. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and examinations.