Depression decisions — 2003

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected major depression, finding that a rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 10 percent rating effective April 20, 1998. A subsequent increase to 30 percent was granted on October 7, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alcoholism and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The decision found that his alcoholism was due to willful misconduct and not related to service. His psychiatric conditions were also deemed unrelated to service.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining information from the U.S. Armed Services Center for Research of Unit Records and medical records from various providers to determine if service connection can be established for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected disability, finding that the original claim was filed on July 19, 1999 and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.

The veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted service connection with a current evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 22, 2000. Additional development is needed to determine the current level of severity.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for major depression has been granted, and the effective date is to be determined. The automobile or other conveyance grant claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection of PTSD. The RO is directed to schedule a VA examination to determine if the veteran currently suffers from PTSD and to verify any in-service stressors that may have caused this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a current diagnosis of PTSD and no competent medical opinion linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder with memory loss and chronic acquired eye disorder, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for depression secondary to her service-connected vaginitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to new evidence obtained during the appeal process.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, which is considered total disability. The claim of entitlement to TDIU benefits is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent schedular rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia, as well as her requests for increased evaluations for depressive disorder. The TDIU claim was not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the initial 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder with panic attacks and depressive disorder was proper, as his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a portion of the veteran's current depression as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound of the back. The rating for the service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound of the back is increased to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with major depression caused or contributed to his fatal gunshot wound, allowing for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including a psychosis, began during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's service-connected chronic major depressive disorder renders him unable to obtain or retain employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.