Depression decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected depressive disorder warrants a rating of 30 percent, which is consistent with his current symptoms and limitations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current mental disorders are not linked to service.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's service, including for his claimed back pain, depression, memory loss, and skin rash. The claims were denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in considerable industrial and social impairment from May 16, 1996 to November 6, 1996. Since then, it has caused reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alopecia areata, depression, a sleep disorder (work shift), fatigue, cold sweats, tinea pedis, and pseudofoliculitis of the scalp. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, headaches due to trauma, and depression are being remanded for further action.

The veteran's appeal for PTSD was withdrawn during the hearing, and his claim for major depressive disorder remains. The Board dismissed the case due to withdrawal of the PTSD appeal.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and psychosomatic tension/vascular headaches effective September 24, 1996. The decision also grants an earlier effective date of November 1, 1993.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for bipolar disorder with major depression, which was granted in July 1999. The Board has remanded the case to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from October 28, 2002 to October 31, 2002 because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for chronic labyrinthine imbalance (sea sickness) due to lack of new and material evidence.,The veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder was also denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a skeletal system disorder to include spinal arthritis and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder and a compensable evaluation for sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran is granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness. The effective date is August 27, 2004.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression or other nervous disorders. The current psychiatric condition is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder and found that the veteran's leg cramps, ingrown toenails, stomach disorder, ulcers, low back disorder, hepatitis A, delayed stress syndrome, headaches, and residuals of a head injury are not currently diagnosed or supported by evidence. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for additional examination and review of records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of major depression and PTSD are more likely than not due to her treatment in the Navy, specifically during a period when she was interrogated about her sexual preference. As such, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.