Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as it is related to an in-service injury.,The left leg disability is granted as secondary to the service-connected low back disability.,The acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder) is granted as secondary to a service-connected condition (coronary artery disease).,Service connection for dizziness is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to an in-service event.

The claims for service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and schizophrenia have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received. The claim for service connection for a headache disorder has been reopened.,A VA opinion in May 2017 indicated that the Veteran's schizophrenia is more likely than not caused by his pyeloplasty for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction, which was aggravated by post-surgical pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, completion of a Veterans Application for Increased Compensation based on Unemployability form, and scheduling of a VA mental health examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions regarding service connection for gastrointestinal disability, initial rating for low back disability, higher ratings for paranoid schizophrenia, and TDIU.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted a 10% evaluation from November 26, 2012.,Service connection for scars on the left and right medial thighs is granted.,Service connection for hepatitis C is reopened and granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder) is reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence showing the Veteran was seen and prescribed pain medication in June 2009 for back pain and bilateral knee pain. The claims will be adjudicated on a de novo basis.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues, including reopening a previously denied claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and assigning initial ratings for other disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection for schizophrenia. The Veteran's preexisting condition of schizophrenia is deemed to have existed prior to service, and it is not considered aggravated by service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, and he is now entitled to a rating of 30% for mood disorder effective March 7, 1995.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder and headaches, to include secondary to service-connected tinnitus due to conflicting evidence of record. The Veteran's statements regarding his in-service stressors are found to lack credibility.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for chondromalacia of the left knee was granted, and a rating of 70 percent for schizophrenia was granted. The claims for varicose vein of the left testicle and increased rating for schizophrenia were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia has been reopened, and the Board is remanding it for further development. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for schizophrenia will also be considered concurrently.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The issues of service connection for a kidney/bladder disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder remain remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected schizophrenia and a nonservice-connected inoperable brain tumor was granted, effective from the date of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right-hand disorder, spinal cord injury, skin condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted since the July 2009 decision was deemed not new or material.

The appeal is remanded due to issues with service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased rating for back disability, and increased rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's period of service from June 21, 2007, to June 26, 2009, is considered a bar to receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied effective October 31, 2013.,Effective dates prior to October 31, 2013, are not warranted for the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence and requests for updated VA examinations, SSA records, and employment education information. The Veteran's disabilities are expected to be evaluated in detail.