Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected schizophrenia, finding that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by service, nor did service-connected disability cause or contribute to his death. The criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under Chapter 35 have also not been met.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new medical evidence provided by Dr. Riebeling, which links his schizophrenia to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for his service-connected schizophrenia, finding that April 29, 2002 is the earliest possible effective date based on receipt of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a service-connected psychiatric disorder and is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic back disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Board also found that the veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD were denied on the merits, but his claim for PTSD was reopened based on new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current paranoid schizophrenia did not present during her military service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a sexual assault during service, and tuberculosis was not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for residuals of a head injury will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and providing VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a cyst of the scrotum, prostatitis, rhinitis, headaches, nerve condition and muscle twitching, psychiatric disability, skin rash, joint and muscle pain, and digestive problems. The appeal is considered 'denied' as all issues were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected schizophrenia and whether it renders him in need of aid and attendance or results in housebound status. The effective date is not addressed as this is currently involved.

The veteran's service-connected schizophrenia is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. The claim for TDIU was also denied as he does not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizophrenia and PTSD are related to his military service, while hepatitis is not shown to be related to his service. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (to include schizophrenia and PTSD) is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and obtain clarification of the medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been reopened. The RO must now review the complete evidentiary record and undertake any additional development if necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus due to noise exposure during active military service. However, the veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD remain pending as they have not been resolved yet.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disorder with drug addiction was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information and need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia and denied service connection for residuals of right ankle sprains and residuals of left ankle sprains.