![]() The third avenue for establishing service connection, without time limits on symptom onset, involves the stress-vulnerability model. The Genesis of Schizophrenia Using the Stress-Vulnerability Model ![]() The list of chronic conditions for which a veteran can seek service connection includes, among others, diabetes, cardiovascular-renal disease, and "psychoses" ( 6). For example, certain chronic illnesses first manifesting within 1 year after discharge can also qualify for service connection ( 5). The board reasoned that the veteran's mildly elevated in-service glucose levels were "part and parcel of an ongoing disease process that had its genesis in service" ( 4).Īdditionally, the law provides other pathways to service connection. For example, the Board of Veterans' Appeals found service connection in the case of a veteran with type 2 diabetes diagnosed 3–4 years after discharge, due to elevated prediabetic glucose readings ("100–126 mg/dl range") while in the service. The initial manifestation of disease need not be severe to merit service connection. Thus, a veteran who manifests signs of new mental illness or exacerbation of preservice medical conditions will generally qualify for service connection. How can you, as a VA resident psychiatrist, help these veterans obtain service-connected disability benefits?įederal law provides service connection for chronic conditions (including mental illness) when a veteran can prove "inception or aggravation during service" ( 3). ![]() However, personnel in the social work department inform you that these veterans do not qualify for service connection because their illness manifested after leaving the service. You wish to pursue service connection for these veterans-that is, you believe they are disabled due to injury or illness that was incurred in, aggravated by, or related to exposures or experiences during military service. You treat veterans with schizophrenia who lack service connection for this illness.Ī 30-year-old Navy veteran had his first break within 6 months of discharge, which followed a 2-year period of depression and behavioral changes while in service.Ī veteran in his 20s with a history of combat-related traumatic brain injury while in the Army developed hallucinations (hearing voices and seeing lights) and delusional thinking (messages from space), within a few years after discharge.Ī former Navy submariner in his 30s spent time at sea in the Navy with no mental health history and was hospitalized with symptoms of schizophrenia (disorganization and catatonia) 3 years after discharge. You are a psychiatry resident at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.
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