Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease with spasms and anterolisthesis, is being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records suggesting a possible diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining an addendum opinion. The correct issue must be addressed in accordance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to August 30, 2012 and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board found that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, but granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with depressed mood) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, as secondary to a service-connected status post left patellectomy was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board found that the Veteran's pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disability are not related to service or to medication for his service-connected leishmaniasis. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected back disorder, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, ingrown toenails, bone spurs of the heels, right knee disability, varicose veins, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis for hemorrhoids and noted that pes planus was noted on entry into service but not aggravated by service. Service connection has been granted for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed traumatic events in service and to provide an adequate examination for a diagnosis of PTSD. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back condition, hair loss, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined a 70 percent initial rating is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder throughout the period of the claim. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board found no evidence of residuals of cold injury and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD due to lack of credible medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's freestanding claim for an earlier effective date prior to May 5, 1994, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, and cervical spine disability were not shown to be related to service. The Board found no medical nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from SSA and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and any outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's schizophrenia was rated at 70 percent prior to January 6, 2009. The Board denied a higher rating for the period before that date.,Prior to December 30, 2011, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective May 1, 2013. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.