Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2005

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for the cause of death secondary to nicotine dependence and tobacco use arising during service, as well as DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to the award of service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's claims for prostate cancer, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected psychiatric disorder or any medication prescribed for it, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there was no credible evidence supporting the occurrence of a personal assault during service that led to his current symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain, finding that neither condition was attributable to his service-connected lumbosacral strain or active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the medical record to address issues related to service connection and increased rating for post-concussion syndrome, as well as entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for schizophrenia with a 100% rating, effective December 5, 1994. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted in April 1989.

The Board finds that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected residuals of a head injury. The VA medical records do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the veteran's current cervical spine disability and his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a qualifying stressor and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back, psychiatric, and left shoulder disorders are not related to service. The claim for asthma was previously denied in September 1995.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and ensuring full compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The claims are also being reviewed to determine if new evidence supports reopening a claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, finding no nexus between his current condition and active duty.

The veteran's schizophrenia is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, and he meets the schedular requirements for this rating. The veteran also has a service-connected back disability that raises a claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to her mobility, independence in daily living activities, and lack of visual impairment or blindness.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing and determining if the veteran wishes to designate a representative.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, can be decided. The veteran's reserve service and active duty records need to be verified, as well as his stressors and medical history.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of such condition during service.