Willis v. Derwinski’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

Most-quoted passages

The sentences later courts lift from this opinion, ranked by how many decisions quote each — the parts of the opinion doing the work. These counts are smaller than the citation total above because most of the 10 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “The psychiatrist noted that a “review of the old history indicates credible description of impaired sleep, hallucinations, ideas of reference & brief hospitalization at Keesler [Air Force Base] Hospital (1964) while on active duty.” Id. (emphasis in original). The psychiatrist found that the veteran was “cooperative, bright, sincere, engaging” and “uncommonly reliable.” Id. Finally, the psychiatrist noted that the veteran spoke “of his long frustration with loss of military medical records which, I believe, did document his hospitalization & probably impulsive & I believe, erroneous diagnosis of Personality Disorder. Careful past history shows no traits or behaviors consistent with personality disorder.” Id. (emphasis in original). The strength of the psychiatrist’s conviction is underscored by a marginal note in which he placed his qualifications on the record: “Copy to Patient: this physician is Board-certified since 1959[;] had 6V2 yrs. svc in USAF (77 to 83) as chmn, Dept of Psychiatry, Scott AFB, Ill.” Id.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Willis v. Derwinski

2. “It appears the [Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board or BVA)] reached its conclusion that the veteran’s psychosis was not misdiagnosed in service based upon evidence which was not in the record (the file and records lost by the [Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]) rather than upon the only evidence which was in the record (the VA psychiatrist’s statement and other statements in support of the veteran’s claim).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Willis v. Derwinski