Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2001

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, right elbow disorder, and psychosis (paranoid schizophrenia) in April 1987. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the new evidence submitted was not 'new and material' as required by law.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence submitted since July 1996 is significant enough to consider in deciding the merits of her case. The Board concluded that she has an acquired psychiatric disorder which either originated or became worse during her military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations is denied because he does not meet the criteria for such benefits under the law.

The Board has found that the veteran's claim for revocation of forfeiture is supported by new and material evidence, warranting its consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service records from Italy and verifying service stressors for PTSD. The veteran will also undergo a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disorders.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) has been reopened, and she is granted service connection for her current psychiatric disorder. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Board denied reopening of claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board finds that the veteran developed a psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected low back disorder and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for the low back disability is remanded due to lack of recent examination.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and seizure disorder were not incurred in service, as her personality disorders and alcoholism existed prior to service entry. The service records do not show any evidence of these conditions during active duty or on separation examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, based on new evidence submitted since the previous decisions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the October 1995 rating decision. The claim is now ready for further development and consideration.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as the evidence did not establish that his claimed stressors occurred during service or were related to any diagnosed condition.

The veteran's schizophrenia is rated at the highest possible level (100%) due to his severe functional impairment, characterized by virtual isolation and lack of interest in activities. The veteran was found competent for VA purposes.

The veteran's hypertension, cerebrovascular accident residuals, and psychiatric disorder were not found to be related to his service-connected right ankle fracture. The disability rating for the right ankle fracture was maintained at 30 percent.

The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his severe psychiatric impairment, pain, nervousness, anxiety, and impairments of concentration and memory has been established. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting special monthly pension based on this need.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a total disability evaluation, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the August 1948 rating decision that severed service connection for schizophrenia, as there was a well-defined history of pre-existing mental disorder prior to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left thumb disorder, and bilateral leg disorder with thrombophlebitis. The claim for direct service connection for the bilateral leg disorder was previously denied in February 1982 and is considered final. New and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim.