Depression decisions — 2005

The Board denied service connection for shaking hands and tremors, as well as other conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active duty or an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, depression, PTSD, poor circulation in the left leg, and diabetes mellitus, all allegedly due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has ordered additional development of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and depressive disorder, finding that the disabilities are not related to the veteran's service-connected residuals of a laceration of the left fourth finger with amputation. The claim for an initial rating greater than 20 percent for residuals of a laceration of the left fourth finger was also denied.

VA denied the veteran's claims seeking retroactive increased ratings for her service-connected low back disability. The RO found that the earlier rating decisions were not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected major depression with dementia due to brain trauma has been granted, and he is now rated at the highest available percentage (70%) effective May 6, 2004. His claim for a higher rating for his cardiovascular disability remains in appellate status.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine, service connection for depressive disorder and hemorrhoids, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The claim for gastrointestinal disorder was not addressed as it related to a different issue.

The Board has determined that further development of the claim is required due to unclear facts and potential service connection issues. The claims for depression and PTSD are remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA records and private medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that there is no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and psychosis. The VA has requested additional evidence and will review the claim after further examination.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression should have been granted earlier, and has set an effective date of July 26, 2000.

The veteran's disabilities, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the veteran's psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, to determine if they are related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, including SSA disability benefits records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his personnel records and providing him with a VA examination. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also being addressed.

The Board is remanding the case to ensure proper VCAA notice and development, including obtaining additional service medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected depressive disorder, left knee disabilities, and right knee disability. The decision also noted that the veteran had tinnitus but did not grant separate compensable evaluations for each ear.

The Board has granted service connection for fatigue due to undiagnosed illness and denied all other claims. The veteran's other conditions are not considered service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the VCAA.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and theories of causation submitted after the appeal was certified, including exposure to mustard gas during service. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death remains under review.

The veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia, depression, and anxiety. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development of evidence.