Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is now being remanded for further development, including consideration of additional VA medical opinions and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for schizophrenia, which was previously denied in March 2000. The veteran's preexisting schizophrenia is found not to have been permanently aggravated by his military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending evidence and procedural issues. The case is now remanded for additional medical examination and review.

The Board has determined that the service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized by symptoms of mild to moderate occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent prior to April 2, 2000.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 9, 1992 for the grant of service connection for schizophrenia. The veteran's claim is now pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a heart disorder, and a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to new claims being inextricably intertwined with the total disability rating claim. Additional evidence is needed, including service medical records and information about disciplinary actions during active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's undifferentiated schizophrenia, which had its onset during active duty, is service-connected.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities were denied. The RO granted a rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain from December 12, 1995 to December 10, 2002, but denied the claim for increased ratings for this disability and service connection for peripheral neuropathy since it was not related to his active service. The veteran's bilateral plantar warts were granted an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia, finding that the veteran's condition is related to his military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of the evidence in your case. Your claim is being remanded for you to be afforded a psychiatric examination to determine if you have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, and whether it was caused by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as schizophrenia, began during his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is reasonably shown to be related to his service in Southeast Asia, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizophrenia is likely due to a condition first manifest during service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board dismissed the appellant's claims for failure to perfect an appeal, as no substantive appeals were filed within the required timeframes.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic paranoid schizophrenia warrants a 100 percent schedular rating and an effective date of July 21, 1997 for the award of a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's current seizure disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and denied his claim. The Board also did not find new and material evidence to reopen his schizophrenia claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorders and PTSD, is causally linked to service. The claim for residuals of exposure to mustard gas in service was remanded but not fully addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need to comply with notification and assistance provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.