Depression decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in October 1995, and she did not appeal the decision. In June 1997, she submitted copies of her service medical records to reopen her claim, but the RO did not prepare a rating decision as there was no jurisdiction due to the finality of the previous denial.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has granted service connection for adjustment disorder with depression, but denied the claim for evaluation of bilateral hearing loss and did not address the reopening of the Meniere's disease claim.

The veteran's major depression is due to disease or injury which was incurred in service, and the Board finds that service connection for major depression is warranted. The RO should review the remaining claims of service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, tinnitus, and disability due to exposure to non-ionizing radiation.

The Board found no additional disability resulting from the VA treatment in February 1995, and thus denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression as secondary to a service-connected back disability due to lack of medical evidence connecting the current dysthymia to his service-connected back disability.

The veteran's claims for a higher evaluation and an earlier effective date were granted, while the claim of service connection for major depression was found to be well grounded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the veteran's pre-existing obsessive compulsive disorder did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service and that none of his other diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's disability from major depression, rated at 50 percent disabling, is found to meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes as of September 16, 1997.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for depression, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking current depression to his period of active service or to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's depressive disorder was seriously disabling for the period November 15, 1993, to September 18, 1995, and from November 1, 1995, preventing her from working and interacting socially. The VA determined that a 100 percent schedular evaluation is warranted for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptations benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and a conversion reaction, with depression due to lack of evidence establishing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for dysthymic disorder is granted, with a current disability rating of 10 percent. The case was remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for service connection for depression and a nervous disorder, claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness, is not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits because he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his disabilities. The evidence showed that the veteran is able to perform self-care activities, walk with a cane, drive an automobile, and leave his home when necessary.

The veteran's PTSD with severe depression is rated at the highest possible schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The veteran's seizure disorder is due to disease or injury that was incurred in service. The Board finds the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder plausible and capable of substantiation, but cannot determine if his pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Board found that the claim of service connection for bipolar manic depression was not well-grounded due to a lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran claims service connection for PTSD, but the Board finds that development under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103 and possibly 38 U.S.C.A. § 5107 is required before a final decision on the merits can be made.