Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for effective dates prior to March 22, 2006 for service connection and basic entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) for schizophrenia, as well as a rating in excess of 100 percent for schizophrenia based on the need for aid and attendance, has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for residuals of peptic ulcer disease and service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected residuals of peptic ulcer disease are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in providing notice of a hearing and failing to schedule a VA examination before issuing the decision on secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination, which is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

An effective date of October 9, 2013, is granted for the 50 percent evaluation for a headache disability.,An effective date of May 20, 2015, is granted for a TDIU due solely to a headache disability.,A compensable evaluation for a left cheek scar is denied.,Service connection for a psychiatric condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's previously service-connected conditions and his cause of death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but service connection for a neck disability is denied.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent evaluation for major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, with psychotic features (psychiatric disability) is granted beginning February 11, 2003. An initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for psychiatric disability is denied throughout the appeal period. Beginning February 11, 2003, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.

The rating for the Veteran's service-connected unspecified schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder was reduced from 100 percent to 50 percent effective September 1, 2021 due to actual improvement in his disability level and ability to function.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disability, and a left knee scar due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder did not begin during his active service and is not related to any in-service injury or disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired mental disorder and eye disorders have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service injury/disease related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a disability rating and TDIU due to incomplete records, particularly regarding private psychiatric treatment. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and re-adjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to active-duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that there were errors in the duty to assist and remands several issues for further development, including psychiatric disorders, back disability, sleep apnea, right knee disability, left knee disability, and left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and missing service treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with insomnia, is being considered for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is being remanded due to the submission of new medical evidence that was not considered in the previous denial.

The Board denied all service connection claims and the increased rating claim for myositis of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and/or erectile dysfunction.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.