Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there is no competent and probative evidence associating his current psychiatric disorders with his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and acne due to insufficient evidence or inadequate opinions in previous examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected joint disabilities. His hypertension was not shown during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no evidence of a link between his current diagnosis and military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for athlete's foot with onychomycosis was granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, sinusitis, COPD, and shortness of breath, is granted service connection.,An effective date of September 26, 2013, for the grant of left breast disability (gynecomastia with gynecomastectomy) is granted.,An earlier effective date than June 30, 1997, for the psychiatric disability (anxiety, depression with PTSD symptoms and alcohol/cocaine abuse) is denied.,The Veteran's initial rating of 30 percent for left breast disability is maintained from July 1, 2014, to May 26, 2014, and then increased to 100 percent effective date of May 27, 2014.,An initial rating of 100 percent for psychiatric disability (anxiety, depression with PTSD symptoms and alcohol/cocaine abuse) is granted.

The Veteran's claims for a left shoulder condition, head condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. However, his claim for a sternum condition was reopened and granted on the merits.,His application for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disorder due to his failure to participate in scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is granted at a 70% rating from December 28, 2010 to December 5, 2013. The effective date for this grant is set as of that date.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for anemia is denied.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right great toe disability is denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a left eye disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and further analysis.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and Alzheimer's disease, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions in the record.

The Veteran's appeals for left and right knee conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The claims of bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety), and lower back condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records development regarding the Veteran's service in Iraq and Kuwait.,Service connection for a right hip disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to support the Veteran's claims for service connection. This includes obtaining medical records and personnel records from her Army Reserves service, as well as updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied a total disability rating for compensation due to service-connected disabilities, including the Veteran's left knee disability and acquired psychiatric condition. The decision was based on the evidence not showing he was unemployable prior to September 28, 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to hearing loss is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the denial of the primary claim.,Service connection for GERD, lower back disability, and sleep apnea (claimed as sleep disturbances) are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various musculoskeletal and psychiatric conditions. The issues include PTSD, restless leg syndrome, right shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, right foot disorders, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including a trauma-related disorder (a subthreshold of PTSD) and unspecified depressive disorder, is related to service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.