Depression decisions — 2001

The Board has remanded the issues related to depression, right knee chronic synovitis, and duodenitis for further review. The current rating of 10% for right knee chronic synovitis is maintained. Duodenitis remains rated at noncompensable.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD with depression and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran is currently rated at 50 percent for PTSD, which does not meet the criteria for TDIU under VA regulations.

The Board denied increased ratings for the appellant's vascular headaches and major depression, but confirmed a 50 percent evaluation for her service-connected mental condition. The appeal was not about service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability levels.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for kidney stones, depression, and a back disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be disabling and prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal regarding his service-connected depression was denied. The RO granted TDIU and increased the evaluation from 10 percent to 70 percent, but did not address the issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the period January 26, 1990 to July 1, 1999, or an evaluation in excess of 70 percent since July 1, 1999.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective July 16, 1996. The increased rating for her cerebral concussion with headaches remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus cannot establish service connection for PTSD based on combat exposure. The case is being remanded to determine if other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that an effective date of August 11, 1998 is warranted for the veteran's claim seeking a 50% disability evaluation for major depressive disorder.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression was granted and rated at 30 percent effective September 25, 1998.

The Board has reviewed the veteran's claims and found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen several service connection claims. The original denial of these claims remains final.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depression are rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant functional impairment.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depression is denied as she failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support before or at his eighteenth birthday due to mental or physical defects, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's major depression was rated at 10 percent prior to March 25, 1997 and increased to 50 percent since that date. The decision grants the higher rating of 50 percent effective from March 25, 1997.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, morbid obesity, diabetes and hypertension as secondary to the service-connected lumbosacral strain. The evaluation for lumbosacral strain is increased to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed a viral disease during active service and now suffers from residuals including depression and impotence. The Board finds in favor of granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied, while his claim of CUE in the reduction of his rating was not addressed due to lack of legal merit.

The veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including depressive neurosis, major depression or bipolar disorder was reopened. However, the issue remains denied as it is not well grounded.