Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression), and chronic disability due to substance abuse. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for a chronic disability due to substance abuse.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if he was exposed to commercial herbicides that contained dioxin and other contaminants, which could potentially trigger service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for schizophreniform disorder was denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder since December 17, 2006. The Veteran's other claims are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to locate him for a hearing before the Board and to determine his eligibility for service connection based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in this case, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to address the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating prior to July 31, 2014, but did meet criteria for a 20 percent rating beginning July 31, 2014. Ratings in excess of those assigned were not warranted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia, was granted a 50 percent evaluation from May 2, 2010 to March 19, 2014. Since March 20, 2014, the disability has warranted an even higher rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions and exposure history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is etiologically related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of a credible in-service stressor for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction for additional development, including scheduling a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus. The case is remanded for additional development regarding bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA medical records and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits of the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Statement of the Case (SOC) on all issues listed.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, vascular headaches, stress and nervous condition (psychiatric disorder), and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, left foot and toe disorders, right knee disorder, and asthma are at least as likely as not related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining in-service hospital records and verifying his claimed stressors. A VA psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of his mental disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim on the merits. The evidence does not establish a causal relationship between the current diagnosis and active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and right ankle disability, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending on their merits.