Depression decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome, effective from September 23, 2002, and a TDIU were granted. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for depressive disorder was denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for depression with psychotic features, which she claims is related to her service-connected disabilities. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including manic depression, anxiety, fatigue, general adaptation disorder, and an attitude disorder is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a right hip disability related to service, and denied the veteran's claims for residuals of a right hip injury, psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and chronic headache disability.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have PTSD, and his current mental disorder was first manifested many years after service and is not related to service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for major depression, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating. The moving party's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in this decision was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appeal was based on reopened claims due to new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for ulcer disease, depression, and osteoarthritis as secondary to the service-connected right total knee replacement. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and PTSD, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The veteran's claims for service connection for depression and reopening of his claim for hypertension are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the issues of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for chronic prostatitis and right arm discoloration, as the appellant withdrew these issues prior to the Board entering a decision.

The Board found that the veteran does not require daily personal health care services or daily skilled services, and thus is not in need of regular aid and attendance for special monthly pension purposes.

The Board found that a major depressive disorder and personality disorder were not incurred or aggravated in service, and as such, denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and manic depression. The issue is now remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major depression was a significant factor in his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of his death. The DIC benefits claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is also granted due to the presence of a service-connected disability rated at least 50% disabling prior to death.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now considered to be due to service. The evidence presented since the last denial supports this conclusion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety/depression secondary to his service-connected right foot disabilities, as well as his increased ratings and compensation claims. The case is being remanded due to a recent visit with his VA orthopedic surgeon.

The Board found no credible evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a sexual assault during her military service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a mental illness, including paranoia, depression, and PTSD. The VA found no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for dysthymia, which is secondary to a personality disorder with prominent schizoid and narcissistic traits. The decision was based on continuity of symptoms after discharge.