Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2004

The Board found that the evidence submitted since July 1970 is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to procedural defects in the notification provided under the VCAA.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD. However, it was determined that any current psychiatric condition did not originate in service or is otherwise unrelated to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the veteran with proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and denied service connection for a right ankle disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by new and material evidence, and there was no current evidence linking his current disabilities to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia and diabetes mellitus, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to warrant reopening the claims.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for an earlier effective date for schizophrenia, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and concluded that his psychiatric disability is not related to service. The claim was denied as there was no evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia and a left leg injury, finding new and material evidence in support.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left eye disability, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting examinations to determine service connection for a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of L2-L3.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for additional development of the record, including a VA examination and consideration of new regulations.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for an increased apportionment of the veteran's disability compensation on behalf of their minor child, effective December 1, 1994. The decision was based on updated financial information showing that both parties were in need and required additional support.

The veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and he was granted a 10 percent initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss from July 31, 1998 to April 2, 2004. He was also granted a 40 percent rating for his right shoulder disability from October 18, 2001 onwards. The veteran's claim for higher ratings for his bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than post traumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain Social Security Administration records and ensure all notification and development actions required by the VCAA are fully satisfied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a psychiatric examination. The appeal is pending further action.

The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for major depression with psychotic features is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Massillon Psychiatric Center due to the veteran's refusal to be transferred to a VA facility, despite the availability of such facilities.