Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran currently suffers from schizophrenia and there is competent medical evidence establishing that it was incurred during active service. Therefore, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional disability compensation benefits for his dependent spouse, finding that the earliest possible effective date was January 1, 2003.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury and an acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD and bipolar disorder, due to personal assault. The appellant did not provide credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors.

The Board has granted the veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability, but denied other issues. The hearing request is pending.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but finds that additional development is needed to determine if the condition began during his military service.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder is rated at 20 percent prior to September 23, 2002. As of that date, separate ratings for the neurologic manifestations affecting both lower extremities are granted.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for schizophrenia and a TDIU rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination, as well as obtaining relevant VA and SSA records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a psychiatric disorder. However, additional development is required as both claims involve de novo review.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to unclear nature of his current psychiatric disability and the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Board denied service connection for skin condition, psychiatric disorder, and arthritis of multiple joints. The veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for dermatophytosis, currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development, including obtaining medical records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board found that the veteran's paranoid schizophrenia was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person (A&A) or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, facial abrasions and contusions, attention deficit disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, or sinus condition during service or within one year after separation. The veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The RO denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for low back pain and psychiatric disorder, but granted the petition to reopen a claim for bilateral leg pain. The rating for residuals of aseptic meningitis with chronic headache remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical opinion to determine if any of the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 7, 1993 for service connection of chronic paranoid schizophrenia. The decision is final as it was not appealed to a higher authority.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, upper back, cardiovascular, and psychiatric disabilities. The decision also noted that the veteran did not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits.