Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that there was clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing acquired psychiatric disorder that did not worsen during active duty. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified inservice stressors.

The Veteran's pre-existing chronic paranoid schizophrenia was aggravated during his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding both PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD and alcoholism and drug addiction. The Veteran's claim of service connection for these conditions is pending.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability and an organic disorder manifested by memory loss, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after active service.

The Veteran's disability compensation benefits were reduced due to incarceration for a felony, and the Board found this reduction proper. The issues of service connection for psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left foot disorder are addressed below.

The Veteran's schizophrenia was rated as 30% disabling from March 1975 to May 1983, and as 50% disabling until January 1990. The Board found that the Veteran had a continuous period of at least eight years of total disability due to his service-connected schizophrenia prior to death in 1994.

The Board has ordered additional development to be conducted in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development and a hearing, as requested by the Veteran's representative. The appeal is now pending before the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability was not incurred during active service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for updated VA treatment records, a review of SSA benefits application, and an updated VA eye and Aid and Attendance examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied, as the claim has already been established with a 100% evaluation for PTSD. The Board also addressed and denied the reopening of the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's son is not entitled to benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 18 for a child born with spina bifida because the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or Korea as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current psychiatric disorder to his service, and concluded that the asthma and allergic rhinitis did not warrant higher disability evaluations.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claims of entitlement to higher ratings for synostosis and convalescence have been withdrawn by the Veteran. Service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of medical evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and links it to his military service. The Board also finds that he has other diagnosed psychiatric disorders (depression and schizophrenia) which are related to his service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury of the right hand. The remaining claims, including those related to PTSD, diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure, and other conditions, are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, left arm fracture, headaches, eye disability, hypertension, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that would result in these disabilities.