Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic schizophrenia, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD with panic attacks), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied. The decision is based on new evidence received after the Veteran filed his reopened claim.

The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, a skin disability (presumably due to herbicide exposure), low back and upper back disabilities, and traumatic arthritis. The diagnoses were not supported by credible supporting evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for hepatitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether new evidence supports reopening of the latter claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for a psychiatric disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen her claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder. The RO/AMC must obtain the Veteran's complete personnel records and any SSA disability determination(s) and associated medical records. If new and material evidence has been submitted, the RO should consider whether VA medical examination and/or opinion are needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for appropriate examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding records and ensuring that alternative sources of information are considered for a PTSD claim. The Veteran's bilateral plantar keratosis repair and lumbar spondylosis must also be examined to determine their current severity.

The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence establishing a diagnosis of PTSD based on an in-service traumatic event or stressor, and the weight of the competent medical evidence is against a nexus between the post-service diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and service.

The Veteran's service-connected CFS is rated at 40 percent, effective from March 1, 2002. The Board has also granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of claim (November 2005).

The Veteran's schizophrenia causes him to lack the mental capacity to handle his VA benefits, including disbursement of funds.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, cannot be granted as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (nervous or anxiety) was dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected schizophrenia and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically paranoid schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for a scheduled VA examination. The case will be reviewed by the RO after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of pyelonephritis or early patellofemoral syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim was also denied.

The Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability and the VA examiner determined that his symptoms are related to an accident outside of service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the left foot disability claim, and his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disabilities (PTSD) were not found to be related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury is granted, and his claim to reopen the psychiatric disorder claim is also granted. The Veteran is awarded an increased rating for bilateral pes planus.