Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. For the initial evaluation of cystic swelling and disfigurement of the back of the occipital region, status post head trauma, prior to August 30, 2002, the Board found that there is no evidence showing a relationship between the current condition and service. From August 30, 2002, the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (variously identified as schizophrenia and depression) due to the Veteran's service-connected acne keloids.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected post-traumatic headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from a Malden Rehabilitation Center and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 15, 2002, for a grant of a 100% evaluation for paranoid schizophrenia is denied as there is no medical evidence showing total occupational and social impairment prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an adequate statement of reasons and bases.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records. The case will be returned for further consideration.

The Board found that the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria for reopening the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder and PTSD) were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the current disabilities are less likely than not related to in-service events.

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disorder, PTSD, and low back disorder as the evidence did not establish these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during the Veteran's active service and denied his claim for service connection as there is insufficient evidence to link any current psychiatric disability to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right femur fracture did not worsen during service and was not aggravated by his service. The other claimed conditions were not caused or aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development of his service connection and disability rating issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD and concussion-related conditions, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between his current psychiatric symptoms and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's right elbow disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.

The Board has ordered further development to verify the Veteran's alleged stressful events in service and to obtain his military 'Record of Assignments' for the period from September 1970 to March 1974. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and skin cancer, including as secondary to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service or herbicide exposure.