Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder related to his service and denied his claim for service connection. For his degenerative disc disease, the Board found no evidence of aggravation or new onset during service, and thus denied an increased evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a local hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board. The issues include seeking a total rating based on individual unemployability and service connection for undifferentiated schizophrenia.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The claim for hypertension was denied due to a lack of current evidence, while the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cognitive disorder and/or acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were based on diagnoses including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but no direct evidence linking these conditions to military service was provided.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and folliculitis.

The Board found no evidence of residuals of a head injury or traumatic brain injury, and there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's psychiatric disability to service. The claims for both conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased rating for right ankle disability, and a compensable evaluation for burn scar of the right arm. The evidence did not establish that any current psychiatric condition is related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder did not originate in service and denied his claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability and granted the claim.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was granted, effective March 21, 2003. The issue is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for schizophrenia, undifferentiated type and has also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder and a chronic acquired gastrointestinal disorder. These claims are now considered on their merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, claimed as secondary to his service-connected chloracne disorder, is pending.

The veteran's severe psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia and substance abuse, render him unemployable and qualify for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a neuropsychiatric disorder related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected renal disability. The claim for an increased evaluation for nephrolithiasis is also denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder or flat feet as a result of his service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, PTSD, and neurological disorders. The appeal was also denied regarding initial ratings for third degree burn scars of both legs.

For the period prior to December 20, 2000, the veteran's schizophrenia was rated at 10 percent.,For the period from December 20, 2000, the veteran's PTSD and schizophrenia were rated at 30 percent.