Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for service-connected schizophrenia is dismissed due to the failure to timely file a notice of disagreement regarding the effective date assigned in February 1996.

The Board has decided that the veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include major depression and PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded for further development.

The VA denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, citing the absence of evidence of chronic symptoms and noting that personality disorders are not diseases or injuries for the purposes of service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder that can be linked to his military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is also denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board finds that there is no legal basis for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding of a current disability resulting from the claimed in-service sexual assault.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as bipolar disorder, is attributable to service. The claim for a skin disability manifested by fungus on the feet will be remanded for further examination and consideration.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed, and he meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for schizophrenia, but further development is needed due to incomplete medical records and a need for an additional examination.

The Board finds that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral eye disorder are not service-connected. The Board concludes that her current psychiatric condition likely pre-existed military service, and was not aggravated by service. For her bilateral eye disorder, there is no evidence of any complaints or treatment for a service-connectable eye disability until many years after service separation.

The Board has determined that the earliest date of record indicating an intent to claim service connection for schizophrenia was September 16, 2004. Therefore, the effective date for the grant of service connection for schizophrenia is set at September 16, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the motion alleging clear and unmistakable error in a May 1983 decision finding that a September 1973 rating decision was final. The reasons given were that proper notice of the denial was provided, and the reason for the denial (that the condition was not compensable) was clearly stated.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition other than PTSD and to include schizophrenia. However, it is determined that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any verified stressors. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for an examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for Meniere's disease, neck disorder, left knee disorder, left hip disorder, and low back disorder. The veteran's psychiatric disorder was found to be aggravated by his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has jurisdiction to consider the reopening of a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran's application to reopen this claim is granted, and the claim is remanded due to the need for further development regarding the reopened claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including examinations to determine the etiology of any current sleep disorder, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The veteran's service-connected schizophrenia is manifested by severe symptoms such as paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and poor social functioning. The Board has determined that a 100 percent disability rating is warranted for his service-connected schizophrenia.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim. The issue of a claimed schizoaffective disorder is not before the Board on appeal.