Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2004

The May 3, 1989 rating decision denying service connection for a psychiatric disorder is found to contain clear and unmistakable error. The veteran's claim was reopened in February 2000, leading to the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder effective from August 1, 1988.

The Board has determined that the reduction of a 50 percent rating for service-connected schizophrenia was proper, and denied entitlement to an increased rating for schizophrenia. The case is being remanded due to deficiencies in informing the veteran of what evidence he needs to provide.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for examinations and the retrieval of Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, but acknowledges that there may be other issues related to this case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) due to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was remanded.

The Board found that the June 1990 rating decision denying service connection for a psychiatric disorder was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, as there were no facts before the RO at the time of the decision or incorrect application of law.

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

The Board found that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, a panic disorder and PTSD, related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder did not begin during service and was not caused or worsened by her service-connected hysterectomy with left oophorectomy.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. The veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the Board found no evidence to support service connection for any other claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected paranoid schizophrenia contributed to his death, resulting in an acute myocardial infarction. The medical evidence supports this conclusion.

The veteran's service-connected conditions include GERD, headaches, a low back condition, and a psychiatric disorder. The Board granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset during active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability and psychiatric disability are related to his service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of paranoid schizophrenia and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a link to active service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to disease or injury which was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The case is being remanded to comply with VCAA notice requirements and for further review of the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The veteran's claim of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive psychiatric examination and an opinion regarding the onset and aggravation of his condition during military service.

The Board is remanding the case to search for additional service medical records regarding a Mental Hygiene Clinic referral, and to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required.