Depression decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected unipolar depression with psychophysiological factors affecting physical condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a disability manifested by loss of balance is also inextricably intertwined with the claim for an increased evaluation.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 60 percent, effective from May 7, 1996. The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, also effective from May 7, 1996.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety with major depression is found to meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation due to its impact on his ability to work.

The veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, which is now considered well-grounded. The veteran's chronic psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, was initially manifested during his time in the Marine Corps.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the potential impact of a February 2000 Stipulated Agreement and the Court's Order on his service-connected condition. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for the period from May 23, 1945 to July 19, 1991 is also inextricably intertwined with the current appeal.

The veteran's PTSD with depression was initially rated at 10 percent and later increased to 70 percent. The rating of 70 percent has been maintained since April 10, 1992.

The Board found that the veteran's duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia warrants a 20 percent evaluation, and his non-service-connected psychiatric conditions (bipolar disorder - depressive disorder and PTSD) warrant a combined 50 percent evaluation. The veteran is therefore not entitled to an increased evaluation for his duodenal ulcer or a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected knee disability aggravates his nonservice-connected depression, and thus grants service connection for depression secondary to service-connected knee disability. The claims for increased evaluations of the knees are also granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and evaluations in excess of the current ratings were denied. The veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for residuals of loss of part, both inner and outer tables, of left frontal bone of the skull with effective date from May 1995.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension, with an allowance for aid and attendance due to insufficient financial resources.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression is proximately due to a service-connected disability, specifically fibromyalgia. The claim for service connection for major depression is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded, and thus denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, PTSD, and generalized anxiety with phobia, have rendered him unemployable. The Board finds that the combined rating of 70% for these conditions is sufficient to meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's disabilities, including depression, right knee instability, and sleep apnea, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is not well-grounded due to insufficient evidence linking his current condition to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, depression, and skin rash are all service-connected based on direct evidence of a nexus to her military service.

The veteran's right wrist fusion with carpal tunnel syndrome and major depression have been rated, while the left elbow laceration repair has not met criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased depression evaluation and service connection for low back disorder and left forearm fracture residuals were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or establish service connection.