Depression decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive episode and PTSD, finding that there was insufficient evidence to corroborate his claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric disorders to his service, except for a personality disorder. The claim for PTSD was granted based on combat events, but the diagnosis of PTSD was not linked to any specific in-service stressor.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development, including a VA mental disorders examination to determine the relationship between his major depression and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a nexus between any claimed disorders and his period of active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and her Substantive Appeal. The veteran was granted a 70% disability rating for major depression, but not before November 21, 1996.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for major depression, established an effective date of June 11, 1990, for service connection, and denied entitlement to earlier effective dates for the total disability rating.

The Board has granted benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for depression, claimed as secondary to residuals of a left brachial plexus lesion and assigned a 60 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD, finding that his service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depression and personality disorder, was aggravated by service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for anxiety with depression is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for Social Security Administration records that may support the veteran's claim of depression secondary to a service-connected back disability.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disability, including panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, was incurred during her active military service.

The Board has found that a remand is required to ensure all required evidence is obtained and associated with the claims folder, including service medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and anxiety as secondary to his service-connected Crohn's disease, a rating in excess of 30 percent for Crohn's disease, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran has presented evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for headaches, but denied claims for joint pain, memory loss, right-sided numbness, hoarseness, confusion, and anxiety/depression due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major affective disorder (depression) warrants a 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder with paranoid features, had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's alcohol and substance abuse is considered willful misconduct, preventing him from receiving pension benefits. His psychiatric disability, including organic brain disorder, does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating due to its severity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of secondary service connection for psychiatric disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected low back disability or hemorrhoids.