Depression decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher disability evaluation, finding that no new or material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied service connection claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased rating for paranoid schizophrenia, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depression with a history of major depressive episodes and schizophrenic reaction, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression and anxiety disorder are etiologically related to his period of active military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and residuals of chemical burns to the skin, finding no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headache disability is a residual of an inservice injury and grants service connection for headaches. The depression claim is denied as there is no evidence to support a diagnosis or etiology related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder related to her active duty.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 100% evaluation of Meniere's Disease and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. 1114(s) were denied as there was no evidence showing an increase in disability prior to the date of receipt of his claims, and he did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation at that time.

The veteran's psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depression, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's TDIU benefits were granted effective from August 1995, and the Board found that this was the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that entitlement to these benefits arose.

The Board denied service connection for atypical depression, arthritis of the right shoulder, and hyperlipidemia as they were not incurred or aggravated during the veteran's active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder as secondary to his right knee disability and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for a psychiatric disorder. The Board also found no current diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors from active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions did not preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied as his depression was seen as a problem in his ability to function as a teacher, despite his subsequent employment.

The Board has granted service connection for depression but denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service was dishonorable, and thus barred him from VA benefits.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for his psychiatric disorder. The Board denied this claim, finding that the earliest possible effective date is December 6, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation, effective from March 22, 2001. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD but granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding the veteran's symptoms related to situational and medical issues rather than military service.