Depression decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent initial evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 19, 2002 or in excess of 50 percent on and after April 19, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active military service.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a left shoulder disorder, bilateral finger disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, or depressive disorder related to active service. As such, the veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, Hepatitis C, PTSD, and residuals of a right wrist injury. The claim for reopening the degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not addressed as it is unclear if this issue was part of the original appeal.

The Board finds that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression have not been met.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for a nervous condition, to include depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The appellant seeks an increased evaluation for her major depressive disorder, currently rated at 50 percent. The case is being remanded to the RO for consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. However, it is not granted as there is no credible supporting evidence to corroborate the veteran's reported in-service stressors. Service connection is also denied for depression and/or bipolar disorder.

The Board denied service connection for left and right leg nerve problems due to an undiagnosed illness, as well as service connection for adjustment disorder with depressive disorder secondary to a service-connected disability. The veteran's claims are remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing. The issues of service connection for depression and the residuals of a right shoulder injury are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a mood disorder or depression, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression produces total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating.

The veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, the highest schedular rating available. His right knee gastrocnemius strain is rated at 10 percent. The veteran does not have a separate schedular rating for his bilateral tinnitus as it already meets the maximum schedular rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a major depressive disorder but denied service connection for joint disorders. The decision is mixed as it grants one issue and denies another.

The Board finds that the veteran's current depressive disorder is not related to his service or any incident therein, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, and it is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. The issues of service connection for gastrointestinal disability, vertigo, and a psychiatric disability (depression) are being remanded due to the lack of VA examination reports.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected major depression, effective from July 1, 1993. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking the condition to his military service.