Depression decisions — 2005

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine and groin conditions. The effective date of the TDIU is set at January 7, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a 100 percent rating for schizophrenia. The issue of entitlement to service connection for major depression remains pending and is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claim that his current disabilities, including depression and skin disorders, were caused by VA treatment on March 1, 1999. The medical records do not indicate a causal link between the surgery performed in 1999 and the appellant's current conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including major depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for fatigue, headaches, memory loss, sleeplessness, night sweats, and major depressive disorder, which were claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness. The Board also denied his claims for bilateral shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, arthritic disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and testicular disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression is not due to his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for cause of death.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied. However, the veteran was granted service connection for his current diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented. The decision also noted that any acquired psychiatric disorders present in service were found to be pre-existing conditions.

The veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive disorder not otherwise specified has been productive of difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships since December 17, 2001. Since April 15, 2003, the condition has resulted in total occupational impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to her mobility, independence in daily living activities, and lack of visual impairment or blindness.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing and determining if the veteran wishes to designate a representative.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including a low back disorder and disabilities of the feet. The veteran is required to provide medical evidence or nexus statements regarding these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and considering new evidence. The appellant's claims for service connection for a depressive disorder and Peyronie's disease are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, due to lack of credible supporting evidence for in-service stressors and no medical link between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective October 25, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric condition, specifically major depression, is not related to her military service and thus cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has vacated the part of its September 23, 2003 decision that denied service connection for a depressive disorder due to failure to provide the appellant with due process. The appeal regarding Peyronie's disease is still pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, depressive disorder, vision impairment, a right ankle disorder, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.