Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VCAA notice and a VA scar examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is also being considered.

The Board has determined that the veteran is competent for VA benefits purposes based on his ability to manage his own affairs, including paying his bills.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, which was previously denied in April 2000. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board found that recovery of the overpayment would defeat the purpose of paying VA service-connected disability compensation benefits and create undue hardship on the veteran. Therefore, it granted the waiver of recovery.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms of paranoia, delusions and hallucinations met the criteria for a 100% disability rating as of November 28, 2000. The effective date was set at August 22, 2001 based on the Social Security Administration records.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim, but denied service connection for PTSD as there was no link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The veteran's diagnosed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder, headaches, bilateral knee disorders, foot disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated during qualifying military service.

The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition and thus denies a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disorder did not undergo chronic aggravation during service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for peptic ulcer disease. The issue of an earlier effective date for gastroesophageal reflux disease is remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric symptoms, fatigue, skin rash, and headaches are not related to his service in the Persian Gulf War or any other service-connected condition. The criteria for service connection based on the provisions applicable to veterans of the Persian Gulf War were not met.

The Board found that a chronic psychiatric disorder was not manifested in service and is not related to service. The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's schizophrenia, finding that it produces occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain clarification on the relationship between the veteran's service and/or his service-connected disabilities and his psychiatric disabilities. The case will be reviewed again on both direct and secondary basis.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence and clarification of the extent of social and occupational impairment.

The veteran's schizophrenia is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective July 19, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizophrenia is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including medical records from VA facilities and any relevant lay statements. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, gastroesophageal disease, respiratory condition (COPD), or right shoulder disability related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence in previous denials and needs further development of records.