Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings for bilateral knees (left knee, right knee).,The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and pancreatitis was remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 28, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent as of October 28, 2021, for a low back disability is denied. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability (schizoaffective disorder) and entitlement to TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and a remand is needed to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature of his psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service. The issue of service connection for pancreatitis is also inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for GERD was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a 30 percent disability rating.,Service connection for stomach disability, to include as secondary to service-connected GERD, was also denied. The Board found that there was no evidence showing that the Veteran's stomach disability had its onset during active duty service or was caused by his service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent disability rating for schizophrenia is granted effective from September 19, 2007. The claims for service connection for colitis and an increased disability rating for lumbosacral disc disease with sacroiliitis are denied due to the Veteran's failure to report for required VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST), finding that all evidence supports a link between his in-service trauma and current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease) is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for right great toe injury, dermatitis, bilateral foot disability, gastrointestinal disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded as additional evidence was received prior to certification and transfer to the Board.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The appeal is allowed to that extent only, and the case is remanded due to unclear qualifying service in June 2000.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to missing medical records and testimony. The VA will obtain these records and schedule examinations for the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for nerve damage of the right leg, left leg, arthritis of the legs, diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, deviated septum, digestive disability, and hernia disability were all granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection or an increase in rating for most of his conditions.

The Veteran's right hip and left hip disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected right ankle disability.,The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities are also being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of her service-connected conditions. The issues include TDIU, a higher rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, earlier effective dates for service connection, and various other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right hip disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to right hip disability) due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired neurobehavioral/psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is etiologically related to service and grants the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tremors, giant cell bone tumor of the right radius, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for giant cell bone tumor of the right radius has been remanded due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's June 2015 statement and research articles.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder, left shoulder, right ankle, left ankle, right knee, left knee, low back, cervical spine, and acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD) due to a lack of VA treatment records and potential stressor verification.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is found to be related to his in-service trauma or stressors. Service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury is also found to be related to his in-service injuries and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of service records and the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from New Haven and San Antonio, as well as University of Puerto Rico medical records.