Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's complete service treatment records have not been associated with the file, and VA must again attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to clarify the nature and extent of the Veteran's sleep impairment, including whether it is related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder or if it constitutes a separate compensable condition.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's continuous reports of sleep-related symptoms since separation from service are credible and sufficient to establish onset in service.,For the mental disorder claim, the Board denied an earlier effective date than July 5, 2016, as the Veteran has continuously pursued the claim within one year after VA received his Intent to File a claim for compensation.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining unit records to corroborate in-service stressors.

The Veteran's OSA is granted, but his right hand arthritis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, lumbar spine disorder, and other conditions are denied. The AOJ must obtain a proper examination for the issues not yet addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Disorder, is related to military sexual trauma during active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding bilateral knee ratings and TDIU/DEA prior to February 9, 2018. The Veteran's appeal as to the effective date of service connection remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and left wrist condition due to insufficient information in the record. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered with a VA examination.

The Veteran's rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied, and service connection for a left knee disorder was also denied. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA were remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to insufficient evidence in some areas, particularly regarding the Veteran's cervical condition. The mood disorder case is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified trauma disorder and unspecified schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder, is remanded due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating was a new claim, and the July 2022 decision was the initial decision on that claim. The appellant is not eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the July 2022 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for COPD, a heart condition, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and medical opinions. The Veteran's toxic exposure risk activity is presumed under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to errors in the decision-making process, including failing to consider certain evidence and providing inadequate examinations. The case will be reviewed again with a focus on verifying the Veteran's reported stressor and obtaining an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected foot and back disabilities, along with a psychiatric condition, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 30, 2023. The Board is remanding the case for consideration of TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, and TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ must obtain all relevant VA and non-VA medical records, including those from Durham VA Medical Center and Southeast Texas Physicians Group. Additionally, a new opinion is needed regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, was denied. Service connection was granted for lumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy (secondary to cervical spine arthritis), right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of depression are related to his military service and finds the private opinion persuasive.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include lower back disability, bilateral sciatica, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C is denied as the evidence does not support a service connection.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no diagnosis of PTSD and the medical records do not indicate its onset in service or relate it to any injury or illness during active duty.,The Veteran's claim for cervical spinal stenosis is denied as there is no evidence showing a current condition related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for kidney condition, to include hydronephrosis, is denied as the medical records do not indicate that it was caused by an event or illness during active duty and is not secondary to any service-connected disability.