Depression decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the claims due to outstanding medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking his diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder to his period of service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a finding that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to the conditions claimed, or that were incurred during active military service.

The Board found that the appellant's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including conversion disorder and depression, are less likely than not related to his in-service brain concussion.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from April 1997. The other issues are resolved in the veteran's favor.

The veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depression, has been rated at 50 percent since August 18, 2004. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, finding no credible evidence of the claimed in-service assault. The veteran's current diagnoses are attributed to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's recurrent major depressive disorder was first shown during active service and continues thereafter, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder due to service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected major depressive disorder. The claims for obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder were also denied, as these conditions are not attributable to active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, insomnia, a left hip disorder, hypertension (secondary to rheumatic fever), and vision disability (secondary to rheumatic fever). The heart disability claim was also denied. New and material evidence was not received in some cases.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a psychiatric examination and an opinion regarding the relationship between his ear infections, sinus infections, and other disorders of the head, ears, nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs with his service-connected hearing loss disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches, left knee disorder, right heel disorder, left hip disorder, dizziness or fainting spells, eye disorder, ear disorder, respiratory disorder, heart disorder, leg cramps, weight gain and loss, foot disorder, and psychiatric disorders. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active service for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental disorder, but it is not granted as the evidence does not establish a direct link between his current condition and his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depressive and generalized anxiety disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an initial compensable disability rating for the service-connected status-post surgical repair of a left inguinal hernia due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current conditions and active military duty.

The veteran's mechanical low back pain resulted in characteristic pain on motion, but no limitation of motion or muscle spasm. The depression with fatigue did not cause occupational and social impairment.,PTSD was withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric condition is related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tremors are rated at 50% for his major upper extremity and 40% for his minor upper extremity. The claim of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right knee disorder did not cause or aggravate his depression.