Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for paranoid schizophrenia are being reviewed, with the Board finding that prior to September 4, 2001, his symptoms more closely approximated social and occupational impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. Beginning May 15, 2001, his symptoms limit his ability to function in society.

The veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need to obtain his treatment records from Dr. Rick Murphy.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and arthritis, but finds that new and material evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the September 1968 rating decision denying service connection for schizophrenic reaction was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus reversed. Service connection on a presumptive basis is granted.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for schizophrenia.,The veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the assignment of a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,The veteran further seeks an earlier effective date for the award of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to July 21, 2003 for additional compensation benefits based on dependents is denied as he did not meet the eligibility requirements under the law at the time of the October 1978 effective date.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, it concluded that there is no competent credible evidence showing a direct or secondary relationship between the veteran's current psychiatric disorder and his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disability to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active military duty.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active military service.

The Board found that the veteran's schizophrenia was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated during service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain all relevant medical records and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The veteran was awarded a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective from May 26, 1998. The effective date is being set at September 10, 1990, but no earlier.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 31, 2003 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected schizophrenia. The evidence did not show that the veteran was precluded from engaging in substantially gainful employment within one year prior to March 31, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current undifferentiated schizophrenia had its onset during his active military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of Social Security Administration (SSA) records and other relevant documents.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disability originated during his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the veteran's service and stressors, as well as VA treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.