Depression decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of depression is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to an increased rating for schizophrenia with major depression and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability in September 1988. The moving party does not have standing to assert a claim of CUE in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a fractured coccyx and depression secondary to a fractured coccyx, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for additional death pension benefits based on a need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her inability to meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's depressive disorder was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied a higher initial rating and earlier effective date for PTSD with major depression. The veteran was granted a 50% disability evaluation for PTSD on December 14, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a disorder manifested by swelling and pain of multiple joints, psychiatric disorders including major depression and dysthymia, and sexual dysfunction. The evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim for service connection due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that his current condition did not begin in or was caused by any incident of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 22, 1992, for a grant of an evaluation of 100 percent for generalized anxiety reaction with major depression.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and bipolar disorder. The VA determined that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current level of psychiatric disability, characterized as anxiety disorder and depression, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent. The evidence shows that her symptoms have been well-controlled with medications, and she is able to work at least part-time.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including manic depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. The RO concluded that the veteran's pre-existing condition was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as for peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and peripheral vascular disease, all of which were deemed not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and a psychiatric disorder (specifically generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder) as incurred during active military service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD. The veteran now has pending claims regarding these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD, and his depressive disorder, right shoulder tendinitis, and left knee arthritis are not service-connected. The rating for residuals of shell fragment wound to the right leg remains at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development of evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and service connection.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 31, 2000, for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date set at August 31, 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for depression and otitis externa, as well as his claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, were denied by the RO.