Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder, but the Board finds that there are no documents prior to March 25, 2013 that can be construed as an intent to file a claim to reopen or as a claim to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. An earlier effective date is therefore not warranted.,The Veteran also seeks higher disability ratings and entitlement to SMC for his migraines and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board finds these issues are inextricably intertwined with the previous remanded issues, so they must be remanded as well.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Effective dates have been assigned for these conditions. The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, higher initial ratings for RLE and LLE radiculopathy, and a TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder. Therefore, these issues must be remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and patellofemoral syndrome, has been granted service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), has also been granted.,Service connection for the right knee disability is established based on direct evidence of a current condition, continuity of symptoms since service, and in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, as well as his claim for a higher rating for cephalgia (headaches). The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of dysthymic disorder or any other acquired psychiatric disorder. For cephalgia, the Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 30 percent or higher rating under DC 8100 due to insufficient evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran needs to provide more details about his in-service stressors and undergo another VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is due to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for new examinations, identification of outstanding private treatment records, and consideration of additional diagnostic criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, erectile dysfunction, and left foot condition with arthritis due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are denied. The neck injury claim is remanded, and the left ear hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development due to new VA medical records being added to the claims file. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection will be reconsidered after this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to her active-duty service and grants this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary atherosclerotic disease/angina pectoris, tremors, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The decision found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of COPD, and that there was no nexus between the claimed conditions and service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service. The claims for reopening of diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, and skin disability are remanded due to new evidence. Other service connection claims are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in finding that VA's duty to assist was satisfied by a December 2014 VA medical opinion. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, which are currently being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development and evidence.,Effective dates prior to August 21, 2015 are not warranted for the grants of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the cases of a right-hand disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD with GAD) for further development. The Veteran's lay statements regarding symptoms will be considered, along with his service-connected back condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include dysthymic disorder due to lack of a current disability.