Depression decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, PTSD, and depression have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include paranoid schizophrenia, finding no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or a nexus between his period of active service and his current condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a major depressive disorder on secondary basis and an increased rating for ulcerative colitis is being remanded due to incomplete information and need for further medical examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including depression, antisocial personality disorder, and anxiety disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also determined that a personality disorder was not a disease or injury within the meaning of applicable legislation.

The veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability and left knee disability were denied. The claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was granted with an initial 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed back condition, bilateral nephrolithiasis, and depressive disorder were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's hemorrhoids are shown to have begun during service and the Board finds that they were incurred in service. The remaining claims for service connection, including those related to a respiratory disability, are being remanded.

The veteran's service-connected depression and dysthymia are currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 2001. The RO granted a higher rating for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied.,For the period prior to December 5, 2001, a rating in excess of 10% for hepatitis with leukopenia and fatigue was not met. For the period from December 5, 2001, a rating in excess of 20% was also not met.,The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The veteran's major depression is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected residuals of an amputation of the left thumb. The cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities are not service-connected, but are considered secondary to his service-connected residuals of a partial amputation of the left thumb.

The veteran's service-connected major depression with anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent, and she meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's right hip snapping syndrome and major depressive disorder were found to be related to his military service, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizophrenia had its onset during active military service and grants service connection for this condition. Other psychiatric disorders are not related to service.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 70 percent for the veteran's service-connected major depression, effective January 30, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, back disorder, and depression. The claim for increased evaluation of thoracic outlet syndrome was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and requests for additional information from the veteran.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeal, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with depression was not incurred during his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, is related to her military service. The case will be remanded for further development of inpatient and outpatient treatment records.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was denied. The VA found that the veteran does not have PTSD and his major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service.,The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was granted. It is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure during service.