Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability to include depression, and vertigo was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.,Service connection is not granted as there is no direct evidence linking the current disabilities to active duty service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including anxiety and PTSD, GERD, hypothyroidism, joint pain, a low back condition, and neck sprain are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA will seek verification of the Veteran's in-service stressor events.

The Veteran's proposed reductions in ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, major depressive disorder, and primary insomnia (psychiatric disorder) from 70 percent to 50 percent, and traumatic brain injury from 40 percent to noncompensable were dismissed as the January 2020 rating decision was a proposed action.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for readjudicating the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim is remanded due to incomplete service records and a need for VA examinations.

The Board has vacated the July 2023 decision and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is being addressed due to a duty to assist error in obtaining a VA examination regarding his PTSD.

The VA improperly deducted $117.86 in assessment fees from awards of dependency benefits, and the appellant is entitled to have that amount returned. The remaining five $100 assessment fees were properly deducted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a headache disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for traumatic brain injury and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence received after the final decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee condition, right leg condition, and various radiculopathy conditions due to a failure of the duty to assist in providing adequate VA examinations.,The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no objective medical evidence demonstrating hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is granted.,Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include ingrown toenails, post-surgical bunions of the feet, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety).

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The Board will provide another opportunity for a VA examination and review of his claims file.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate medical opinions in support of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain, headaches associated with post-concussive syndrome (PCS), and psychiatric disorder associated with PCS are all rated based on their individual merits. The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine appropriate ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to his failure to appear for VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral knee DJD and obesity are granted service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression) is denied, and the hypertension claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection of a back disability, right knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent evaluation is the maximum available.,Service connection for high cholesterol is denied because it does not meet VA compensation criteria.,A TDIU award is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantial gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia remains remanded due to potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Claims for higher ratings for right rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are also remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and metatarsalgia remain remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, internal hemorrhoids, right colon adenoma, umbilical hernia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a right colon adenoma is also remanded.,Service connection claims for an umbilical hernia secondary to the right colon adenoma and diabetes mellitus remain remanded.,Claims for service connection for heart disability, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic fatigue, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the timeliness of the NOD to an August 2011 rating decision and service connection for a spinal tumor. The Board dismissed these claims as withdrawn by the Veteran.