Depression decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The acquired mental disorder, low back condition, right upper extremity weakness, duodenal ulcer, and hemorrhoids are all rated at the maximum allowed by law.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and the acquired psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder) are not related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, eye disability, headaches, and psychiatric disability (depression), were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression, clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service. The VA examiner concluded that her current psychiatric disorder was not an aggravation of a pre-service condition or by her military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for depression and menometrorrhagia were denied as the evidence did not show that either condition warranted a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors. The issue of whether other psychiatric disorders are related to service remains pending.

The veteran's psychiatric disability, classified as paranoid schizophrenia with major depression, was granted a 100% rating effective March 11, 1998. The initial compensable ratings for skin disease (tinea versicolor) and hemorrhoids were also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for Special Monthly Pension (SMP) based on needing regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound due to his multiple disabilities.,The veteran had hypertension, heart problems, hearing loss, depression, diabetes, and arthritis. However, he did not have a single disability rated at 100% that would meet the requirement for SMP based on need for A&A.

The veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board denied service connection for major depression and deviated nasal septum, but did not address the skin disorder claim. The RO has reopened the skin disorder claim but has not decided it.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disorders, and mental health conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a major depressive disorder, finding no competent medical evidence linking his current depression to military service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as directly related to active service and denied entitlement to service connection for depression secondary to the service-connected seizure disorder.

The veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and the appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate for a surviving spouse without children. The claim for pension benefits is denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression, with a rating assigned at 30%.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any residuals of a head injury, left clavicle fracture, frostbite of hands and feet, right or left little finger injury, and back pain/spine condition. The veteran's medical records from Dr. J. A. Nilsen should also be obtained.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression did not begin during her active military service and is therefore denied service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression and hepatitis C were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during service. The veteran's current diagnoses are linked to his post-service drug use.