Depression decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the appellant's current low back disability was incurred during service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for service connection of depression is pending as a separate issue.

The Board found that the veteran's pelvic inflammatory disease is not more than 30 percent disabling and denied her claim for an increased rating. The decision also noted that the criteria for establishing permanent total disability were not met, as there was a possibility of improvement with treatment.

The VA has granted a 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder, effective from December 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic and major depressive disorders, was incurred during service due to preexisting alcohol dependence and exacerbated by service-related stressors.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection of a depressive disorder. The decision is mixed as it involves reopening the claim, but does not definitively address whether service connection should be granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD or major depression as a result of service, and his generalized joint pains are not due to an undiagnosed illness. The arthritis was also not incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and VR & C files. The veteran's service-connected disabilities include PTSD, which was granted in February 1996, and other conditions such as pedophilia, major depressive disorder, paranoid personality disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, schizotypal personality disorder, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, schizophrenia, and dysthymia.

The veteran's disabilities do not result in the need for regular personal assistance or protection from daily hazards, thus he is not entitled to special monthly pension benefits based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests for additional information from the appellant, as well as further examination and review of her medical records.

The veteran's dementia secondary to concussion with amnestic disorder, depression and personality change is rated at 50 percent effective February 26, 1999. His right hand numbness and left hand numbness are not compensably disabling.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The initial rating of 40 percent is maintained.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and depression were denied as there is no evidence of in-service stressors or a current diagnosis, respectively.,Service connection was not granted for the motor vehicle accident injuries due to lack of verified service-connected conditions. The claim for Agent Orange exposure was also denied.,Bilateral hearing loss was found not compensable.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms do not warrant a rating of 70 percent under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Board finds that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the diagnosed conditions are more likely related to his brain injury sustained in October 2000.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, dysthymic disorder, major depression, and anxiety disorder. The case is being remanded due to a previous Joint Motion for Partial Remand by the parties.

The Board has remanded the case to allow for additional development and consideration of the veteran's claims, including a new VA examination for his service-connected Crohn's disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed psychiatric disability, depression, is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation and is not related to his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development, including proper notice and consideration of new evidence submitted by the veteran at a hearing. The claim will be reopened if new and material evidence has been received.