Depression decisions — 2002

The veteran's major depression is rated at 100% since October 20, 1989. The effective date for TDIU benefits has been established as July 3, 1991.

The veteran's alcohol abuse, major depression, dissociative disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 9, 1976, and January 22, 1979, for service connection and increased ratings for major depression.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss in the left ear and other conditions, finding no new and material evidence. The claims for headaches, sinusitis, social phobia, OCD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and depressive disorder were also denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and depression, finding that new evidence presented since the last final denial supports a grant of service connection due to the manifestation of these conditions within one year of discharge.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a major depressive disorder with psychotic features, was incurred during his period of active honorable military service from December 27, 1963 to February 26, 1968.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depression with psychotic features, and psychosis have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression and generalized anxiety disorder are related to his service, while PTSD is not considered a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's service connection claims for back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, arthritis, and depression as secondary to bilateral postoperative hammertoes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for direct service connection for an acquired neuropsychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for reopening a claim of service connection for anxiety neurosis with depression as secondary to bronchial asthma. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied an increased apportionment of the veteran's VA improved pension benefits to the appellant, finding that some hardship exists but that increasing the apportionment may cause undue hardship for the veteran.

The veteran's claims for service connection for depression, increased evaluations for gunshot wound residuals, and compensable evaluations for nonossifying fibromas were all denied. The Board found no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship between the veteran's symptoms and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, depression, varicose veins, and bilateral inguinal hernias due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant and veteran are entitled to restoration of $350 per month in VA disability compensation benefits for their children and spouse, given their financial circumstances and the current income and expenses.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 1, 1997 for the assignment of a separate 40 percent rating for fibromyalgia with major depression.

The Board found no evidence of anxiety and depression during service, or for many years after discharge. The veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his naval service.

The veteran's sleep disorder, allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis, and anxiety neurosis with depression are not service-connected. The VA has assigned a rating for asthma but denied the claims for additional evaluations.

The Board has determined that the July 1995 rating decision, which granted service connection for major depression as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Therefore, service connection for major depression is restored.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorder did not develop in service. Personality disorders are not disabilities for service connection, and no psychosis was incurred within the first post-service year.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus did not clearly and unmistakably preexist service, nor was it aggravated by service. The veteran is also denied special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his disabilities.