Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor or any current diagnosed psychiatric disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to a failure to comply with the duty to assist in obtaining records from the United States Department of State.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that it is not as likely as not related to her active duty service.

The Board finds that the veteran's schizophrenia, a diagnosed psychiatric condition, does not meet the criteria for service connection under presumptive provisions due to undiagnosed illness or direct-incurrence. The claim is denied.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 10% for the veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, with pain on limitation of motion. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression with eating disorder) due to bilateral knee disabilities is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is causally related to his period of active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 15, 2002 for his service-connected schizophrenia and awarded a 70% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to provide corrective VCAA notice. The veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) is aggravated by his service-connected low back disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to mustard or nerve gas exposure, and thus the claim must be denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for paranoid schizophrenia are being reviewed, with the Board finding that prior to September 4, 2001, his symptoms more closely approximated social and occupational impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. Beginning May 15, 2001, his symptoms limit his ability to function in society.

The veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need to obtain his treatment records from Dr. Rick Murphy.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and arthritis, but finds that new and material evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the September 1968 rating decision denying service connection for schizophrenic reaction was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus reversed. Service connection on a presumptive basis is granted.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for schizophrenia.,The veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the assignment of a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,The veteran further seeks an earlier effective date for the award of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to July 21, 2003 for additional compensation benefits based on dependents is denied as he did not meet the eligibility requirements under the law at the time of the October 1978 effective date.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, it concluded that there is no competent credible evidence showing a direct or secondary relationship between the veteran's current psychiatric disorder and his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disability to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active military duty.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active military service.