Depression decisions — 2002

The veteran's depression and bipolar disorder were found to be aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a left knee injury. The claim for secondary service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened based on new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's depressive disorder is service-connected, but denied PTSD as there was no evidence of a stressor event in service. The decision is mixed because some issues were granted and others not.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and a skin disorder manifested by xerosis, but denied the claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and major depression as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability, finding that new evidence did not support reopening of the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety as there was no verified inservice stressor.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective July 22, 1999. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of her PTSD and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent major depressive disorder and hypertensive atherosclerotic heart disease, finding that these conditions are attributable to the veteran's active military service. The claim for an increased rating for inactive tuberculous lymphadenitis was denied.

The Board denied service connection for major depression, concluding that the veteran's current condition was not incurred or aggravated during her military service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The preponderance of evidence is against her claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as depression with anxiety features, finding no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder in service and no competent medical evidence linking his current diagnosis to military service.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such based on his diagnosed depression, which has since resolved. Other conditions are currently in remission.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions (depression, anxiety, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach disorder, and heart disorder) as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for alcoholism, depression, and psoriasis. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found that the veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than 50 percent.

The veteran's death was caused by a combination of alcohol and drug intoxication, with depression also playing a role. The cause of death is considered the principal cause.,VA compensation for this condition is granted under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and depression, was not evident in service or for years later and is not related to any incident of service.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability due to chronic depression that was incurred or aggravated by service, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's appeals for service connection were not timely filed, and thus dismissed those claims.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent for the veteran's adjustment disorder with depression, effective from the date of the original grant of service connection in April 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder warrants a 30 percent evaluation, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.