Depression decisions — 2001

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate the veteran's service-connected headache disorder and his claim of secondary service connection for depression. The RO must also ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has denied the increased rating claims for Depressive disorder with anxiety, diminished sensation of the face in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, and chondromalacia of both knees.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dysthymic disorder (depression) is service-connected, and PTSD was not established. The decision grants service connection for dysthymic disorder based on direct evidence of a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an emotionally unstable personality disorder. The veteran's depressive disorder was also denied as it preexisted his period of active duty service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of depression, ruling that it was not well grounded.

The Board found that the appellant is not in need of aid and attendance or housebound due to her disabilities, thus denying her claim for additional death pension benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia, secondary to the veteran's service-connected foot disability. The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for depression with dysthymia secondary to foot disability is still pending.

The veteran's major depression with psychotic features was rated at 70 percent effective June 10, 1995. He also received a TDIU rating from the same date.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and denied his claim for an increased rating. The issue of whether he has a psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for dementia secondary to concussion with amnestic disorder, depression, and personality change, as well as for numbness of the hands. The effective dates assigned were also not granted.

The Board found that a psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia, major depression, and intermittent explosive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on January 1, 2000 are eligible for reimbursement due to a medical emergency and because VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied because the actions of the VA staff anesthesiologist, while not part of standard care, do not constitute medical treatment or examination.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected somatoform disorder and depression do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and determining whether he was exposed to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of a gastrointestinal disorder secondary to medication for atrial fibrillation remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim and found new and material evidence to support a service connection for manic depression. The veteran's current psychiatric disorder is considered to have been aggravated by his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, characterized by major depression with anxiety and personality disorders, warranted a 100 percent rating effective from July 2, 1991.