Depression decisions — 2002

The VA denied increased ratings for service-connected low back injury and depressive disorder, with the maximum rating of 60 percent assigned for each condition.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors supporting the veteran's assertions that his major depression and PTSD had their clinical onset during military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation benefits related to his claimed conditions, including tinnitus, bilateral ptosis with conjunctivitis, headaches, and nervous disorders. The decision also addressed a claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his right arm and leg weakness are both rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings have been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction with depression and PTSD, finding that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 30 percent disability rating.

The veteran's suicide attempt in April 1999 was not covered by VA because prior authorization for the private medical treatment was not obtained. The Board found that no such authorization existed and thus denied payment or reimbursement of the unauthorized expenses.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, postoperative residuals from hemorrhoidectomy, and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms (including bloody stools) due to an undiagnosed illness resulting from Persian Gulf service. Service connection was not established for neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular rating for these disabilities under the old criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric condition was not caused or worsened by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current depression to his service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is service-connected, but hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy are not addressed in the decision. The cause of death (cerebrovascular accident) is attributed to these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a valid in-service stressor and denied service connection for depression and PTSD.

The veteran is entitled to special monthly pension at the housebound rate due to a single permanent disability rated as 100 percent disabling (Hodgkin's disease) and additional disabilities ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board found that the veteran has provided new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for a nervous disorder. However, no competent medical evidence was presented to demonstrate a diagnosed psychiatric disorder related to his period of military service.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in severe social and industrial impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating from August 10, 1994.

The veteran's anxiety disorder and major depression are currently evaluated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a potential issue with clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression warrants a 30 percent disability rating based on current manifestations of symptoms and impairment.

The veteran's depression was granted an increased evaluation to 10%.,His right shoulder disability, characterized by recurrent dislocation and degenerative changes with painful motion, was granted a 20% rating. However, the effective date for this grant is denied.