BVA Case 02-1524: Psychiatric
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · · SCHALL
Conditions Claimed
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Issues on Appeal
PsychiatricBackSkinEye
Why It Was Decided This Way
The Board denied his claim in 1987, finding that his service medical records were negative for any manifestations of psychiatric problems and that a psychiatric disability was not demonstrated until 1978, nearly three years after his first period of service had ended.
The Board then stated: “Recollections of medical problems some 20 years after the veteran’s separation from service have slight probative value and lack credibility absent confirmatory clinical records to substantiate such recollections.
Manges, the Board found the opinion of the examiner who conducted the third DVA examination to be the most persuasive “because it relie[d] on the objective medical documents in the record rather that [sic] the slight probative recollections of the veteran, his relatives, acquaintances, and a service comrade.
) Thus, the Board found that the preponderance of the evidence was against Mr.
On appeal, the Veterans Court found that the Board’s decision was not clearly erroneous and that it was supported by an adequate statement of reasons or bases.
Further, the court did not find error in the Board’s determination that the lay evidence lacked credibility.
Buchanan submitted was not sufficient to support his claim for service connection and that the determination of the Board denying his claim was not clearly erroneous.
When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the Secretary shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
Credibility|Preponderance Against
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