Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2000

The Board has granted a 100% rating for the service-connected schizophrenia, effective from January 13, 1983.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status is denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no clear diagnosis of PTSD due to a verified stressor in service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a low back disability, finding that the veteran did not have these conditions related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is not well grounded and therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability secondary to his service-connected hypertension is denied, and the claim for an increased evaluation for hypertension is also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and prostate disorder including a urinary disorder as secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids, status post hemorrhoidectomy. The increased evaluation claim for hemorrhoids was also denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected schizophrenia with PTSD features, effective from November 1, 1997. The earlier effective date of February 14, 1997, for the increased evaluation is also confirmed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and his claim for a psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is not well-grounded. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, and his claim for PTSD. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the original claim, and that there was no evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is not well-grounded, while the claim for new and material evidence to reopen the issue of service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to a pre-existing non-psychotic psychiatric disorder that was not aggravated by service. The court found that any current acquired psychiatric condition is not presumed to have been incurred during service.

The Board found that the appellant's current psychiatric condition, including schizophrenia and PTSD, had its onset in service. The claim is granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking the fatal arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a VA clothing allowance because the Chief Medical Director or designee certified that physician-prescribed medication for his service-connected pruritus ani with history of hemorrhoids does not cause irreparable damage to his outergarmets.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision based on CUE due to the Court's decision affirming the April 6, 1998, decision denying service connection.

The Board has found that the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is well grounded and has been granted. The appeal to this extent is allowed, subject to further action as discussed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including substance abuse disorder, PTSD, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The decision also noted that no need for special monthly pension by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was found.

The veteran is granted an effective date of January 1, 1984 for Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability due to service-connected schizophrenia.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current insomnia or an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service. The claim for these conditions is denied.