Depression decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for major depression was dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during or within one year after service, and concluded that the veteran's current anxiety and depression did not begin in service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for major depression, which he claims was incurred during his active duty service in Vietnam. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for dysthymia with episodes of major depression and insomnia, as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9433.

The veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating is 80%, and he does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to dress, undress, feed himself, attend to the wants of nature, and protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression with psychosis and a schizoid personality. The evidence submitted includes VA records of schizophrenia in October 1974 and a February 2001 opinion from a VA psychologist linking the current psychiatric disorders to service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety, effective December 3, 1997. The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date based on his original claim filed in September 13, 1982.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and nonservice-connected pension due to a lack of competent medical evidence showing current diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for most of his daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment, thus denying special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient information in previous examinations.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (depression, anxiety, and hypochondriasis) does not render him unemployable due to his age and other nonservice-connected health issues.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his reported stressors and obtain a more definitive medical opinion regarding the connection between his diagnosed psychiatric disabilities and service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Board found that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection, but denied the underlying issue of whether a psychiatric disorder was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and medical records from Community Health of South Dade and Columbia Deering Hospital.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and the need for stressor verification. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the appellant receives proper notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to obtain all relevant medical records. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board found that the veteran timely filed a notice of disagreement with the September 2001 rating decision, which reinstated his appeal on all issues except for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of regulatory revisions.