Depression decisions — 2006

The Board found that there is no medical evidence of a psychiatric disorder or chronic pain syndrome until approximately 19 years post-service, and thus denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder and assigned a 50 percent initial rating, effective April 17, 2001. The veteran's right leg numbness is not considered due to an inservice spinal tap/lumbar puncture. Service connection was established for residuals of syphilis but denied for a left testicle condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an increased rating for her adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current heart disease to a service-connected disability, and the adjustment disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the appellant does not have depression or hypertension that is caused by or made worse by his service-connected low back disability, and denied all secondary service connection claims.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because he did not meet the standard of 'good health' as defined by VA guidelines, due to his non-service-connected conditions including heart disease, COPD, and bladder cancer.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe that he is unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board. The veteran requested a rescheduled hearing due to his spouse's sudden illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms, when combined with his major depressive disorder, warrant a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety and depression are related to his service-connected muscle contraction headaches, bilateral knee disorders, lumbosacral strain, and right hip strain. The claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying stressors. The veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The veteran does not suffer from depression which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from chronic low back pain which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from right leg pain which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from bilateral hearing loss which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from tinnitus which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from chronic bilateral foot pain which can be related to his service.,The veteran does not suffer from sleep apnea which can be related to his period of service.,The veteran does not suffer from diabetes mellitus which can be related to his period of service.

The veteran's major depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected hearing loss and cervical spine disabilities. He was granted a compensable rating for his cervical strain effective June 28, 2003.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have sinusitis or PTSD, and service connection is denied. The veteran's major depression is granted as incurred during active duty. Service connection for a vision condition is also denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee disability is denied, as is a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claims, including obtaining treatment records and clarifying the nature and severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and additional development is required.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for throat obstruction and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as rating decisions for various conditions. The case is pending further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for angioneurotic edema, service connection for rheumatoid arthritis secondary to angioneurotic edema, and service connection for depression secondary to angioneurotic edema.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, right leg disorder, and psychiatric disorder (depression) as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depressive disorder is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, mood disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, was incurred during her period of active service. The claims for infertility, ovarian tumors, and spotting and miscarriage were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.