Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as her symptoms do not meet or approximate those required for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been received. The underlying claim for service connection will be addressed in the Remand portion of this decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service-connected conditions. The lung disorder is not shown to be directly related to service or service-connected conditions, but may be due to obesity and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions, which have been present since service. The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to service, thus resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board found that the evidence did not sufficiently corroborate the Veteran's claimed non-combat stressor of a sexual assault and did not relate an acquired psychiatric disability to his time in military service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, back disorder, right and left arm disorders, skin disorder, headache disorder, and sinus disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining unit history records and clinical records from the Charleston Vet Center. The claims will be adjudicated again after all requested information has been obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as dysthymic disorder, is found to be incurred during service. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for salivary glands disorder and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for residuals of left submaxillary gland resection surgery.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizoaffective disorder, is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD were not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a mood disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. The claim for an increased rating for the service-connected back disability is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee strain with degenerative joint disease, left knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records in Spanish. The Veteran's mental health condition is to be evaluated for any relationship to service, including fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has remanded the case for proper due process notice with regard to the new and material claims, including a definition of new and material evidence under the prior standard in effect before August 29, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing VCAA notice.