Depression decisions — 2002

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his PTSD with major depression, which is currently rated at 50 percent. The RO has requested additional medical records and the veteran needs to provide information about any other healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions since April 1997.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 9, 1998 for the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and depression). The earliest indication of intent to apply for VA benefits related to this condition was in April 1998.

The veteran's principal disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself without assistance from others.

The Board denied an effective date earlier than March 31, 2001 for the award of service connection for CAD, mood disorder with depression and anxiety, and GERD with symptoms of hiatal hernia, as well as entitlement to special monthly compensation.

The Board found that the veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent schedular rating due to symptoms such as grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent delusions or hallucinations, disorientation, and memory loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression as secondary to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran has been diagnosed with a dysthymic and depressive disorder, which is considered service-connected. He also has tinnitus that is related to his military noise exposure. However, he does not have hearing loss or PTSD as claimed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is moot due to his current diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The Board also found no evidence of PTSD, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder is not service-connected, and his claim for a compensable evaluation for multiple noncompensable disabilities cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neuropsychiatric disorder and an increased rating for bronchial asthma. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the claim of secondary service connection for the neuropsychiatric disorder, and concluded that the veteran's current disability from bronchial asthma warranted a 30% rating based on his symptoms.