Depression decisions — 2005

The Board granted a 100% evaluation for major depressive disorder and special monthly compensation based on being housebound, both effective March 13, 2002. The veteran's claim was considered filed as of that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions (neck disorder, back disorder, left hip and lower extremity joint disability, seizure disorder, or depression) that are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected syphilis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for hepatitis B, a skin disorder, and major depression were denied as there was no new and material evidence received to reopen the previously denied claim. The VA examination revealed no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling the veteran for a new VA psychiatric examination to determine if his diagnosed major depressive disorder and/or anxiety disorder are related to service or any incident therein.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including connective tissue disease/lupus and Raynaud's disease, as secondary to radiation exposure. The RO has scheduled a Travel Board hearing.

The VA determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertensive vascular disease, gastric ulcer, and major depressive disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The decision is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected.,Major depression was granted service connection effective January 22, 1999. The veteran contends for a higher initial evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for acne and eczema, but denied service connection for hormonal imbalance, menstrual irregularity, depression, PTSD, and the effective dates for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The veteran's claims are remanded to determine appropriate effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical evidence regarding a diagnosis of PTSD, incomplete verification of stressor events in service, and need for additional examination.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected depressive disorder, currently rated at 50 percent. The case has been remanded due to the need for medical opinion and additional evidence.

The veteran's depressive disorder was previously rated at 10 percent and increased to 30 percent effective May 1, 1994. The current rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders to his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, atypical psychosis, and anxiety disorder, is service-connected. The decision was based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, a cardiovascular disorder (including hypertension), and vision problems, all claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The new evidence supports these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or any other chronic acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and agoraphobia, did not originate in service or due to military service. The evidence showed a history of mental health issues prior to service and no clear link between current conditions and service.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD with recurrent depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including an opinion on her employability.,The veteran's claim for TDIU prior to July 23, 2004 is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with her initial rating claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and lack of full notice under VCAA. The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is on appeal.