Depression decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a generalized anxiety disorder. The claim is now reopened.

The veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms is rated as noncompensable, and his esophagitis with dyspepsia remains asymptomatic. The RO denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities and for PTSD, finding that there was no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and that the preponderance of evidence did not support a relationship between his service-connected conditions and his current psychiatric condition.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and depression, thus denying the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and phobic disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for manic depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus (not related to Agent Orange exposure), and PTSD. The TDIU issue was deferred due to additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, had their onset during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current chronic psychiatric disorder that was incurred in service or within any applicable presumptive period.

The VA determined that the veteran's current depression did not start during his military service and is therefore not related to his time in the armed forces.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and his current psychiatric disorders are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for non-service-connected pension benefits was granted, and his reduction of non-service-connected pension benefits due to retroactive receipt of service-connected disability compensation was also determined to be proper.

The Board granted service connection for anxiety disorder and depression effective November 7, 2001. The veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism has been granted an increased rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the July 2001 RO decision.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for depression, but further development was required as there is no competent evidence showing current diagnosis or a link between the veteran's depression and his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder with complex migraine, as secondary to her service-connected major depressive disorder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further action by the RO, including determining his preference for a hearing and clarifying which issues he wishes to pursue.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for diabetes mellitus from 60% to 20%, effective July 1, 2000, was proper. The veteran's major depression is rated at 30%. An effective date of July 9, 1992, for total disability based on individual unemployability and an effective date of October 14, 1999, for Chapter 35 benefits have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including major depression and related conditions such as anxiety disorder and personality disorder, finding that the veteran's current disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and a rating of 50 percent for hemiplegic migraines with transient hemiparesis and impairment of vision and speech. The veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.