Depression decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and there is no evidence of a causal relationship between any diagnosed psychiatric conditions and service. As such, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability (claimed as a nervous condition), to include PTSD, is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the September 1997 rating decision. The evidence did not establish a current disability at separation from service.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric conditions to his active duty service.

The Board found that the December 1981 rating decision denying service connection for ulcers, spastic colitis, and bruxism did not contain clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his service-connected dermatophytosis and denied service connection for depression, finding that there was no competent medical evidence showing a link between his skin disorder and depression.

The veteran's major depressive disorder was initially granted a 30 percent evaluation, effective from June 14, 1996. The evaluation was increased to 50 percent in July 1997 and then changed to 100 percent starting October 12, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression and right knee disability are service-connected, with the latter being granted based on new evidence received after the original denial.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and TDIU due to her major depression, finding that the current evaluation of 50 percent is appropriate.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions have been granted, with the highest possible evaluation (50%) assigned for chronic head injury syndrome and depression. Other conditions remain at their current ratings.

The Board has determined that the appellant's adjustment disorder with depression is not related to his service-connected headache disorder. The residuals of a cholecystectomy with dyspepsia secondary to active ulcer disease are productive of continuous moderate manifestations, warranting a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for an increase in his rating for hemorrhoids. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of anxiety and depression or ulcers during service, nor did it find that they were present within one year after discharge. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and depression, as well as his PTSD claim. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression and there is no evidence linking his symptoms to service. The claim for service connection for depression was denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's lung disorder and major depression with psychotic features are not service-connected, and denied his claims for increased evaluations. The lung disorder was attributed to workplace exposure rather than service, while the psychiatric condition met the criteria for a 30% evaluation.

The Board denied an increase in the initial 30 percent rating for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 31, 1997 for the award of a total disability rating for compensation purposes on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal was based on new evidence that reopened his service connection claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depression.

The VA determined that the veteran's current depression was not incurred during his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these disorders and service.