Depression decisions — 2003

The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to multiple non-service-connected conditions, including amputations of both lower extremities, a colostomy, depression, and shoulder disorders, has been recognized by the Board. The veteran is granted special monthly pension based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to service-connected PTSD, and the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and pes planus with bilateral foot strain have been granted. The remaining issues on appeal are addressed in the decision summary.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and residuals of a left leg injury secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO assigned a combined schedular rating of 80 percent for the veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss rated at 50% and depression rated at 50%).

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for service-connected PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's claim for service connection of major depression. The case is now being sent back to the RO for additional examination and consideration.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and schizoaffective disorder are being remanded due to the need for special procedures in handling personal assault allegations. The case is also being returned to allow a full year response period as per recent court decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received by the RO.

The veteran's appeals for increased rating and total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected conditions were denied. The Board found that additional development was needed, including obtaining medical records from Drs. Alvarez and Rodriguez and scheduling a VA mental examination.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling, and hepatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right wrist fracture and major depressive disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The appellant's current diagnoses were not linked to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability resulting from service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing her with proper notice under the VCAA. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated again after the necessary steps are taken.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The decision is based on the evidence in the record, including the veteran's psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depression, and mixed personality disorder. The hearing loss claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for asthma and major depression, finding new and material evidence. The veteran is now entitled to a de novo review of her claims.

The VA has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and assigned an initial 10 percent disability rating, effective January 2, 1997. The veteran is now seeking a higher initial rating.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for specific actions including verifying service dates, obtaining medical records, and informing the veteran of what evidence he needs to submit.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to service connection for fatigue, headaches, memory loss, sleep disorder, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, anger, anxiety, and skin rash have also been reopened.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting medical examinations, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case. The issue of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain will also be addressed.