Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran did not submit a well-grounded claim for service connection for chronic right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, or acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board found that the March 24, 1983 decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of psychiatric disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for schizophrenia, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD. The veteran's claim for PTSD is considered reopened, but a definitive diagnosis of PTSD could not be established.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been granted, and his case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling such a hearing. If he does not appear or withdraws his request, the case will be returned to the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a chronic acquired lung disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for schizophrenia. The VA medical records did not show any link between the veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's schizophrenia was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for residuals of a right leg injury, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), or cardiovascular disease, to include hypertension.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for schizophrenia, which was previously denied in October 1962. The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the veteran's schizophrenia existed prior to service, but also noted an independent medical expert's opinion suggesting no pre-existing condition. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia.

The VA has determined that the veteran's schizophrenia, paranoid type warrants a 70 percent evaluation based on its severity.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the appellant did not have a verified in-service stressor and his current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depressive syndrome, and impaired equilibrium have been granted. The Board also found that the veteran has residuals of a left foot injury and hypertension, but denied his claim for service connection for right eardrum perforation and headaches.

The Board has determined that the effective date for establishing service connection for schizophrenia cannot be earlier than February 28, 1997.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for his currently diagnosed dysthymia based on the in-service aggravation of his preexisting acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder. However, the claims for all other conditions remain denied as there is no current evidence of these disorders or their association with active military service.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, which will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and depression, was not evident in service or for years later and is not related to any incident of service.

The Board granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia effective January 31, 1992. The veteran's claim was reopened in 1992 and the effective date is based on when the claim to reopen was received.