Depression decisions — 2004

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, along with his dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, renders him totally disabled both socially and occupationally. As a result, he is now receiving a 100 percent evaluation for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with psychotic features, was incurred in active duty service and granted service connection.

The veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent from March 24, 2003 to September 26, 2003. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating for this period.

The Board found that the veteran's erectile dysfunction did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating, as there was no evidence of a penile deformity.

The Board has expanded the issue to include a request for service connection for a mood disorder and/or depression as a result of a closed head injury in service. The veteran's claim on appeal is being remanded due to additional evidence received, including a December 2003 private psychiatric opinion.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further assistance to verify his service stressors and determine if he has PTSD related to documented in-service events.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder in service or within many years thereafter, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for major depression, finding total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's initial claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as PTSD, was filed within one year of separation from service. Therefore, an effective date of November 24, 1946 is granted.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's depression disability evaluation from 100% to 30% was improper due to lack of sustained improvement in his condition.

The veteran's nonservice-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating, effective from May 5, 1999.

The Board found that the July 1950 rating decision denying service connection for nervousness was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's claim of an earlier effective date for major depression disorder with dysthymia was denied as there is no evidence of a timely appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for major depression due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's disabilities, including his service-connected eye disorders and bilateral hearing loss, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claims of service connection for right knee sprain, residuals of pneumonia, and depression were granted. The other issues on appeal are not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, mechanical low back pain, essential hypertension, right tibial plateau stress fracture, deviated nasal septum, and loss of sense of smell, are severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date, finding that the January 1985 rating decision is final and does not contain CUE. The June 1997 grant of service-connected benefits was based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.