Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's testimony alone cannot establish the occurrence of a non-combat stressor. However, there is no credible evidence establishing that the Veteran's claimed stressor - driving a Jeep into the ditch during service - took place.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's statements are considered in light of previous denials based on lack of evidence showing a relationship between current psychiatric disorders and service.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, a psychiatric disorder, and a heart condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's notice of disagreement was not timely filed, and thus denied his appeal regarding the November 24, 2004 denial for drug and alcohol abuse and to reopen the claim for a nervous condition (claimed as depression and schizophrenia).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left ankle disorder, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran did not have a left ankle disability or provide credible evidence to support his claimed residuals from a left ankle sprain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability, but it is not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains granted.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development and adjudication of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records from Fort Drum and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder had its onset during service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as any additional mental health treatment records from non-VA providers. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all of the evidence.

The Board has decided that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and found that the Veteran's current migraines are at least as likely as not incurred during his military service. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder manifested by claustrophobia is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back, throat, chest, respiratory system, bilateral ear, and psychiatric disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to increased ratings for his residuals of a dog bite injury to the right hand, with loss of motion and sensation in the right 5th finger, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected psychiatric disability, and the Board grants a TDIU from January 16, 1996.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the inability of VA to arrange for a VA examination as he is incarcerated. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran was entitled to service connection for schizophrenia as of January 21, 1987. An effective date of that day is granted.

The Board has determined that there is sufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for schizophrenia and finds it at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issue of secondary service connection for a cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's schizophrenia, paranoid type is granted service connection as the evidence shows a current disability and continuity of symptoms since discharge.