Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a claimed in-service stressor related to military sexual trauma. The Veteran's right leg disability and stomach condition are also found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from his treatment providers since separation from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and South Shore Hospital records. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this is done.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, finding that there is no evidence of a psychosis during or soon after service and concluding that his current schizophrenia did not begin in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left upper extremity neurological disorder was not incurred in active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and left ear hearing loss. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and there is no combat experience to establish service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f). Service connection for the Veteran's psychiatric disability and left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year thereafter. The current low back disability is less likely caused by his military service.,Insomnia and neuropsychiatric disorders are also not service-connected, with the Veteran's conditions more likely related to post-military incarceration rather than service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, is service connected as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. His bilateral foot disability is also service connected. The RO reduced the rating for his low back disability from 40% to 20%, effective July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling error for his requested videoconference hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals and claims, including the bladder cancer claim and the schizophrenia effective date claim.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including upper cervical strain, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and several psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to address these issues due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and service personnel records. The Veteran will also undergo a VA examination to assess her allergic rhinitis and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, necessitating special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a Statement of the Case on his service connection claims and verifying herbicide exposure. If verified, he will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current asthma disability is related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a supplemental VA opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, and the TDIU claim are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was granted on an accrued benefits basis, with a 70% disability rating effective from April 18, 2007. The appeal is dismissed as moot due to the grant of accrued benefits.

The Veteran was rendered unable to maintain substantially gainful employment from January 16, 2001, to March 8, 2004, due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for substitution and accrued benefits purposes during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.