Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for psychiatric and sleep disorders due to incomplete documentation from the Army Air Assault School (AAAS) regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors. The VA is required to make a second request for records and document efforts to corroborate the Veteran's claimed stressor events.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected ulcer craters.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied as he is not in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person and is not housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no greater. The left foot plantar fasciitis remains at a 10 percent disability rating. Service connection for hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of personal care services for a continuous six months due to an inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or because he was in need of supervision, protection, or instruction. Therefore, eligibility for PCAFC benefits is denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at 100% for the entire period on appeal, and he is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of adequate examination. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression) and a right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, headaches, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathies. The appeals were remanded for additional development in some cases.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There was no credible evidence linking current right knee disorders to service, including jump school. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries are not considered credible.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder, moderate cocaine use disorder, severe marijuana use disorder, is granted as service connected. PTSD was denied due to lack of a valid diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is at least as likely as not caused by in-service trauma, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied service connection for epilepsy and a low back disability.

The Veteran's median arcuate ligament syndrome is granted service connection. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric condition are denied.

The Veteran's claim for SMC (Aid and Attendance) was denied because he did not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for SMC (Housebound Status) was also denied as he did not have a single 100% disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions in accordance with DSM-5 criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent disabled for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder related to TBI prior to June 5, 2024, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter was denied. The decision also noted the need for further development regarding entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanation regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services and if participation in PCAFC would be in his best interest. The matter is now on remand for further clarification.