Acquired psychiatric disorder Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability and granted the claim.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was granted, effective March 21, 2003. The issue is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for schizophrenia, undifferentiated type and has also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder and a chronic acquired gastrointestinal disorder. These claims are now considered on their merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, claimed as secondary to his service-connected chloracne disorder, is pending.

The veteran's severe psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia and substance abuse, render him unemployable and qualify for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a neuropsychiatric disorder related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected renal disability. The claim for an increased evaluation for nephrolithiasis is also denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder or flat feet as a result of his service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, PTSD, and neurological disorders. The appeal was also denied regarding initial ratings for third degree burn scars of both legs.

For the period prior to December 20, 2000, the veteran's schizophrenia was rated at 10 percent.,For the period from December 20, 2000, the veteran's PTSD and schizophrenia were rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the issue on appeal can be decided, and thus the case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The veteran claims service connection for schizophrenia, paranoid type. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's treatment at Laughlin Memorial Hospital on July 28, 2002 and July 29, 2002 was necessary due to an emergent medical condition and that VA facilities were not feasibly available. As a result, reimbursement for these expenses is granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's hepatitis and psychiatric disability claims, including considering whether a separate rating for cirrhosis of the liver should be assigned and obtaining an updated VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability on a direct basis and established the effective date as June 27, 1995.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and neurasthenia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, that was incurred in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of schizophrenia. The veteran's post traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to substantiate the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Board also denied secondary service connection for alcoholism, hypertension, tachycardia, vascular problems and back surgeries caused by accidents while intoxicated as a result of psychiatric disorders.