Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's right hand condition is related to his duties as a rifle rotating demonstrator in the service, and he has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed for this issue.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to his duties as part of the silent drill platoon where he was required to use a lot of his upper body for rifle maneuvers. A VA examination and medical opinion are needed for this issue.,The Veteran maintains that he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, major depression, which is related to his military service or physical health problems. The Board finds that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed for this issue.,The Veteran contends that he is entitled to a higher rating than the currently assigned noncompensable rating for limitation of extension of his right elbow condition (right lateral epicondylitis with tricep tendinitis). A retrospective VA examination and medical opinion are needed for this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, migraine disability, and right finger disability were denied. The claim for loss of balance was remanded.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions listed above.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to address certain treatment records and notify the appellant of their non-existence.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to service and has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ankle, right knee, acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and sleep apnea disabilities due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune.,VA is required to provide a VA examination and obtain medical opinions regarding the possible nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic nausea was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a severe gastric ulcer.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability prior to July 22, 2021, and from July 22, 2021, were both denied due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with unspecified alcohol-related disorder and traumatic brain injury (TBI) was denied as there was no total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, is granted as service-connected. The left shoulder strain is also granted as service-connected. However, the bilateral ankle disability and left thumb disability are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MST and depression. The evidence supports a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was incurred during service, and his low back and migraine headache disabilities were aggravated by service. Service connection is granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder but denied for the low back and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as there is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date than May 7, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia, lumbosacral strain with scoliosis, and tinnitus render him so helpless as to require the regular need for aid and attendance. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that her symptoms are related to her in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep impairment disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, requires further development due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to obtain a medical opinion regarding his reported military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD or other mental health disorders in service and no credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of corroborating evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address his claims of service connection for various knee, headache, low back, and shoulder disorders. The Veteran will be provided with new VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric condition, finding no current diagnosis during the appellate period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right ear hearing loss, and osteoarthritis of the back are granted. The claim for hyperekplexia is denied.