Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach condition (GERD), psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's claims for acquired psychiatric condition, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right big toe condition, tinnitus, and left leg condition are remanded due to the need for additional examinations focusing on conditions incurred or aggravated during the honorable period of service.

The Veteran's claim for right foot arthritis was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (GAD) was found to be incurred in the line of duty, with no indication of willful misconduct or unauthorized absence. Service connection is granted.,Bilateral metatarsalgia (Morton's disease) was found to have been incurred in the line of duty and not due to willful misconduct. Service connection is granted.,Bilateral hallux valgus (bunions) was found to have been incurred in the line of duty and not due to willful misconduct. Service connection is granted.,Bilateral pes planus (fallen arches) was found to have been incurred in the line of duty and not due to willful misconduct. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder. The issues are related to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including headaches (migraines), neurological signs and symptoms, psychiatric disability, hip disabilities, knee disabilities, plantar fasciitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, obstructive sleep apnea, fatigue, hypertension, glaucoma, and optic atrophy have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims during his March 2021 Board hearing.,The appeals were withdrawn by the Veteran in writing prior to the promulgation of a decision by the Board.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examination reports and insufficient reasoning in previous decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic headaches are granted a 50 percent disability rating prior to October 4, 2021. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities and TBI residuals remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU prior to August 30, 2013 has been dismissed as the matter was resolved in favor of the Veteran by an October 2023 Board decision that granted a TDIU and SMC from July 12, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, low back disability, variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depression), hypertension, and left ear hearing loss. The maximum schedular rating of 10% is assigned for tinnitus.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied.,Service connection for a headache disorder, including migraines, is denied.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The right knee disability claims are remanded.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for right eye blindness, bullet in right cheek, bullet lodged in brain, bullet in upper left back, and bullet in upper right back.,The Board denied the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and PTSD, as well as his low back disorder. The claims are currently pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain medical opinions regarding the Appellant's mental health during his service, as well as whether he was insane at the time of discharge. The issues include character of discharge, reopening service connection claims, and service connection for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the December 2022 decision, including a need for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's acquired mental disorder. The claim will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been granted. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim, linking the Veteran's migraine headaches to his active-duty service. Service connection was also granted for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder). However, the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains pending as remanded by the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability/and or PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to errors in the initial review process, including incorrect unit designation and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's stomach disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) are all found to be related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has denied service connection for a right forearm scar and remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.