Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2006

The Board finds that there is at least as likely as not a relationship between the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia, undifferentiated) and her service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's appeal of the September 2001 denial of service connection for a psychiatric disability was dismissed as she did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder related to military service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or post-service. The claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice-connected pension benefits was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's service dates and obtain all relevant medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an increased rating for bilateral pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for the psychiatric disorder, as there was no in-service manifestation or nexus to service. For the increased rating claim, the veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations without good cause.

The veteran is seeking service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder, which he claims is related to his service-connected duodenal ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Board has decided that further development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence of hypertension or an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for schizophrenia, disorganized type, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional due process considerations, including providing the veteran with proper VCAA notice regarding her claim to reopen a service connection claim for schizophrenia.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current schizophrenia, which was first clinically manifested during her period of active service, is due to disease incurred in service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was denied, and the RO granted a separate 10 percent rating for each foot with hallux valgus and hammertoes of all toes, degenerative changes, and residuals of bunionectomy.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service connection claims for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and a psychiatric disability as a result of a 'nervous breakdown' during a National Guard drill in 1969 are denied due to lack of legal merit. The stressor event related to PTSD occurred outside of active duty, and the alleged nervous breakdown was not associated with an injury or medical condition that would qualify for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorder, lung condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for increased rating of diabetes mellitus was not addressed as it is already at the maximum allowable rating. The veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was not supported by credible stressors or corroborating evidence of the claimed stressors having actually occurred, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder on the merits.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person is not due to his service-connected disabilities, but rather due to his limited eyesight, along with other nonservice-connected impairment. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, were not incurred during active service. The pre-existing condition of paranoid schizophrenia was found to have worsened due to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's malaria is inactive with no current residuals and denied his claim for an increased evaluation. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a connection between his service-connected malaria and his psychiatric disorder, leading to denial of this claim.