Depression decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder with gender identity disorder is denied as there was no prior claim filed before February 13, 2002.

The veteran's claim for tinnitus as a direct basis is denied.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, depression, hypothyroidism, an autoimmune system condition, and arthritis are all denied as secondary to service-connected alopecia areata and medications.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and service connection for depression. The veteran's headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum available under VA regulations. Service connection for depression was not established due to lack of supporting medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, left knee osteoarthritis, and psychological musculoskeletal disorder with headaches and depression. The RO previously awarded a 50 percent rating for the psychological condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically the multiple attacks on his convoy and base in Vietnam. The evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression, which is a psychiatric disorder, had its onset during her military service and granted her claim for service connection.

The veteran claims service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The RO needs to obtain all relevant medical records from the Fort Sam Houston medical facility in San Antonio, Texas (from 1962), as well as from other health care facilities where the veteran received treatment for his psychiatric disorders. A psychiatric examination should be scheduled to determine if there is a link between the veteran's military service and his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board has granted service connection and a rating for major depression with psychoses and personality changes, post meningitis, encephalitis, and head trauma. The effective date of this grant is March 21, 2000. However, the veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending as there was no information or evidence that could be construed as a claim for TDIU prior to March 21, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression did not manifest during service or for many years after service and is not otherwise related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for depression was denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle swelling and depression due to the lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The veteran's current ankle problems are not related to his service, and there is no competent medical evidence showing a current disability manifested by ankle swelling. His depression began many years after service and is not linked to any incident in service.

The veteran's claims for asthma, PTSD, and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities claimed as due to herbicide exposure, finding that the veteran's conditions are not related to his military service or presumed exposure.

The Board has determined that the July 1999 denial of service connection for a right knee disorder is not final, and thus the original claim remains pending. The veteran's left knee disability, characterized as degenerative joint disease, meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating under DC 5260. Additionally, the veteran's residuals of a left knee injury, including atrophy, removal or deterioration of a portion of the lateral and posterior menisci, meet the criteria for a separate 10 percent rating under DC 5258.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and tinnitus. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an adjustment disorder with depression and dysthymia, headaches, and a disability manifested by vertigo and dizziness. The appeals were reopened on new evidence, but service connection was not established.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending. The validity of the overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits is established.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including verification of stressor events in service and a psychiatric evaluation to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's conditions were not caused by VA treatment and thus denied her claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

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