Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s) is granted as service connected. The Board finds that the Veteran has variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders that are as likely as not related to his active military service, including PTSD and mood disorder. For the lumbar spine disability with left lower extremity radiculopathy, the Board finds that it was incurred in service. Service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service events were inconsistent and lacked credibility, and there was no nexus between any present psychiatric disorder and his service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids warrant a noncompensable evaluation prior to August 13, 2012 and a 10 percent evaluation from that date forward.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vertigo, and increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, and the decision now awards attorney fees at a rate of 20% from past-due benefits in the amount of $48,413.97.

The Veteran likely has PTSD that is attributable to his active military service, and the Board finds there is credible and competent medical evidence of a PTSD diagnosis resulting from disease or injury incurred in active military service. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete procedures and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, multiple scars including of the head and face, and a right foot disorder are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ear disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to additional evidence being added to her file, and further development is needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a persistent depressive disorder, pre-existed service and did not permanently increase in severity beyond the natural progression during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further examination. The Board will determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including a resulting sleep disorder, was not incurred or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's claimed undiagnosed illness (Gulf War Syndrome) manifested by muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and a sleep disturbance were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA and Vet Center treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disability and right eye blindness, and determining whether service connection can be granted.

The Board has determined that additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical records, is necessary before a decision can be made on his claims for service connection.

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

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals to reopen his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. The Board found that new evidence had been submitted which relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is service connected, but his major depressive disorder is not. The claim for PTSD remains denied as there was no diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, service personnel records, and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying the Veteran's address, and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulitis was denied as the evidence did not show a direct relationship to his active duty service or any service-connected disability. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.