Depression decisions — 2004

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and hypertension, as well as reopening his claim for a left shoulder disability. The decision also notes that VA medical records from 1976 to 1998 have not been obtained.

The veteran's claimed conditions of depressive disorder, dysthymia, adjustment disorder and occipital headaches are not service-connected as they can be attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to December 4, 2000 for a grant of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability and depression are not related to service. The claim for a low back disability is denied, while the claim to reopen the depression claim remains denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD, are related to his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from October 28, 2002 to October 31, 2002 was denied because he is not eligible under the criteria set forth in 38 U.S.C.A. � 1728 (West 2002).

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current skin disorder of the hands, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's service medical records are devoid of any findings of head trauma inservice and he denied having sustained any head injury at VA examinations.,There is no competent evidence demonstrating the presence of a separate psychiatric disorder manifested by depression.

The veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and the RO has granted service connection for this condition. The other claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression was incurred during active service and is granted service connection.