Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2004

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of paranoid schizophrenia because he did not timely file a Substantive Appeal.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was etiologically related to the veteran's active military service and contributed to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The case will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and psychiatric disorder did not begin in service or due to any incident of service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, pelvic inflammatory disease, a stomach disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board has decided that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, but it is unclear whether he should receive an increased rating for his hypertension.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication of the claims due to new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD and heart disorder, due to lack of evidence showing in-service disease or injury. The presumption of service connection applies for former prisoners of war.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a skin disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and verification of stressors.

The Board's 1984 decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed due to a motion filed by the veteran. The case has been remanded to allow the veteran to have a video teleconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The veteran's stressors are considered confirmed and accepted by the evidentiary record.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for schizophrenia, the highest schedular rating available. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability remains pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records, including those from private chiropractors and VA facilities. The RO will also determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders he may have.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lung disorder and remanded to obtain updated treatment records and provide a VA examination. The claims for gastrointestinal, psychiatric, dysphagia, and bilateral hearing loss remain pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and examining the veteran for his claimed disorders.

The Board has found that the veteran's upper digestive system disorders were not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of timely filing of a Substantive Appeal. The remaining issues regarding peptic ulcer disease, schizophrenia, and psychiatric disability are remanded for further development.