Depression decisions — 2002

The veteran's major depression, panic disorder, and psychotic disorder are related to service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation beyond 50 percent.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression and dysthymia has caused her to be unable to obtain or retain employment throughout the duration of her appeal, leading to a 100% disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a total rating based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive episodes with psychotic features, recurrent and schizoaffective disorder and PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA did not find sufficient evidence to support a presumption of service connection based on exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or other conditions.

The Board has determined that an effective date of December 5, 1988, is warranted for the grant of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's current psychiatric condition, along with his other disabilities, does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as secondary to his service-connected traumatic subluxation of the right shoulder with limitation of motion. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental condition related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's alcohol and polysubstance abuse/dependency, dysthymic disorder with depression, and anxiety disorder (other than social phobia) did not originate during active service or were not caused by his service-connected social phobia.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's depressive disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and major depression may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for service connection for depression is denied.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of heat injury with recurrent episodes of altered consciousness, anxiety and PTSD warrant a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's depression was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a mild concussion with headaches, and thus denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including manic depression. The decision grants this claim as it is determined that the veteran's psychiatric symptoms have been aggravated by his already service-connected multiple orthopedic disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran is employed as a truck driver, which means he does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for depression.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by severe to major impairment of social and occupational function, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for major depression and insomnia and fatigue, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder. The evidence did not support a higher rating for any condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 10 percent since June 30, 1992.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, aggravation of pre-existing vitiligo / skin disorder, chronic depression, residuals of a back injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.