Depression decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's current major depressive disorder originated in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence showing that his current back disorder, arthritis of both hips, and major depression were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The veteran's hallux valgus, cervical strain, fibrocystic breast disease, and major depression are all denied increased evaluations. However, the veteran has established service connection for premenstrual syndrome.,Premenstrual syndrome was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and that the veteran did not serve in combat, making it impossible to establish a link between his claimed stressors and his current condition.

The veteran's major depressive disorder was not more than 30 percent disabling from October 1, 1998 to January 2002. The VA found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, but denied an increased evaluation for his right knee disorder.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with varus deformity of the ankle, right greater than left, and dysthymia (depressive disorder) due to service-connected pes planus are rated at 30 percent. The veteran is also granted a TDIU rating.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective April 1, 1996.

The veteran's current diagnosis of chronic dysthymia with current major depression superimposed on the dysthymia is related to his service-connected headache disorder, tinnitus, and otitis media with bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that secondary service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as he was not found to be in need of such assistance based on the evidence provided.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of the cost of unauthorized private hospital care on April 20, 2001 was denied because VA medical facilities were feasibly available and she did not provide evidence that circumstances prevented her from reporting to a VA facility.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no direct evidence linking any current psychiatric disorders to service.

The veteran's service-connected right eye disorder has resulted in a psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Board finds that the veteran's eye difficulties contribute significantly to his depressive difficulties.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of dissociative amnesia with mild chronic symptoms of depression was denied as the earliest effective date is October 18, 2000.

The veteran's depression is now rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of her hearing in July 1998. The rating for her inflammatory bowel disease remains at 30 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are linked to an in-service personal assault, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's discharge was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which is considered dishonorable. As a result, he is not eligible for VA compensation benefits.

The Board found that the veteran does not have depression, paranoid schizophrenia, or PTSD that is attributable to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, finding no evidence of a pre-service or in-service psychiatric disorder and concluding that any current psychiatric condition is not related to military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for manic depression, finding no evidence linking the disability to his periods of active duty for training.