Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, hypertension, and CVA/stroke residuals due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, it denied the claim as there is no verified in-service stressor and the acquired psychiatric disorder did not manifest during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is required.

Service connection is granted for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Service connection is denied for left ear hearing loss.,The Veteran's skin disorder (claimed as chloracne) and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for hypertension, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, seizures, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's stressor information needs to be clarified.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records from educational institutions and mental health providers to determine R.D.P.'s ability to support himself prior to age 18, as well as his eligibility for an apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical evidence in the record to render a decision on these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,No new evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. Service connection for left eye glaucoma is granted, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending and remanded.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU are therefore denied. The initial rating for POTS is also denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including breathing disorder, back disorder, headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disorder, heart disorder, painful joints, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, obesity, vision disorder, intestinal disorder, and sleep apnea. The Board also notes that no presumptive service connection is being considered for any of the conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent since December 1, 2022. The rating remains denied for a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including his substance abuse disorder, is related to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Further medical clarification is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, alcohol use disorder, erectile dysfunction, gout, sleep disorders, low back disability, neck disability, peripheral neuropathy in various extremities, restless leg syndrome, left knee disability, psychiatric disability, shoulder disabilities, pes planus with neuroma and plantar fasciitis, left foot disability post-surgery, and right knee meniscal tear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with anxiety, did not begin during or is otherwise causally related to active service, specifically his time stationed on border patrol in Germany.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral knee disability due to conflicting medical evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease was granted, and he is now service-connected for this condition. The appeals for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and an acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle disorder, and left knee disorder have been denied. The issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.