Supplemental Department of Veterans Affairs                         Page 3
Statement of the Case Boise Regional Office 01/30/2004

NAME OF VETERAN VA FILE NUMBER SOCIAL SECURITY NR POA
Hugh C. Rowland 23 766 319 AMERICAN LEGION

We have received the examination results from the VAMC Boise. The exam is signed by three doctors who consulted on your case together. Neither Dr. Pittman nor Dr. Patterson who had examined you earlier was on this examining board. The Board reviewed Dr. Khatain’s evaluation and clarified that Dr. Khatain did not diagnose PTSD. Rather, they stated that Dr. Khatain diagnosed anxiety disorder. The Board reviewed your extensive claims folder and your medical records. They noted that Dr. Patterson’s evaluations were very thorough and include extensive psychological testing. They noted that Dr. Heyrend did not diagnose PTSD in his assessment of October 11, 2002. They then reiterated that Dr. Khatain had stated that a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder was dependent on the accuracy of your statements. They determined that the accuracy of your statements was called into question because Dr. Carroll’s neuropsychological testing sh6wed you have significant cognitive deficits and learning deficits.
An example of this is your tendency to deny incontrovertible or indisputable facts. They concluded that there is no substantive case for PTSD. They stated that they concur with the assessments of Dr. Pittman and Dr. Patterson which are not inconsistent with the assessments of Dr. Heyrend and Dr. Khatain.

In your case, six qualified doctors have evaluated you and stated that you do not have posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Khatain diagnosed Anxiety and stated that you could have PTSD provided what you stated was true. This assessment is far from a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. While your Service Officer and Terry Tippery have stated that they believe you have PTSD, they are not qualified to render a medical diagnosis. Since the preponderance of the evidence shows that you do not have posttraumatic stress disorder, service connection for PTSD cannot be established.