Depression decisions — 2005

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder and granted it. The case is now remanded to consider the claims of service connection for neuropathic bladder secondary to low back strain, reopening of the depressive disorder claim, and rating for low back strain.

The veteran's claims for service connection for depression and a sleep disorder, both secondary to tinnitus and/or hearing loss, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current depression to his service-connected bilateral chronic lymphedema of the lower extremities.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating and a TDIU rating are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, including those from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for an examination to determine if any psychiatric disability shown in service clearly and unmistakably preexisted service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder with dysthymic disorder, was incurred during his period of military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression and PTSD are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a direct link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the condition did not originate in or is otherwise related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected conversion disorder, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence regarding the claimed PTSD and depression, including verification of a stressor related to sexual assault in service. The veteran is asked to provide alternative sources of information and any relevant medical records.

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the appellant's right knee disability, effective from March 14, 2001. The rating is based on limitation of motion and instability, with no significant change in condition warranting staged ratings.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service for any of the claimed conditions and denied all claims.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's prostate cancer rating from 100% to 20% was proper, and denied his claim for a higher rating. Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of evidence meeting diagnostic criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to military service, including reviewing medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The veteran's depressive disorder is manifested by near-constant depression, hypersomnolence, passive suicidal ideation, anhedonia, irritability and near total isolation. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating for depressive disorder are met.

The veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings were denied. His adjustment disorder, with mixed anxiety and depression, was not found to be related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate notification and additional development is required.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The issue was remanded multiple times due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric condition and left ear scar were not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, resulting in additional disability. The evidence did not establish that VA was at fault for the veteran's conditions.