Depression decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for depression was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, which is characterized by a GAF score of 50 and symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, intermittent illogical or obscure speech, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The new evidence provided a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The veteran's cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, with radiculopathy is granted service connection. The anxiety and depression, forgetfulness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance are denied as not related to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain certain medical records and for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, but service connection is granted for depression. The diagnosis of depression was established during active duty.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder needs further examination and review, as it is unclear if his current mental health issues are related to his military service.

The veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome with granulomatous lymphadenitis and major depression has not resulted in anemia, dyspnea, edema, or incapacitation of at least six weeks per year. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not render him unable to care for most of his daily needs without requiring A&A, and he is neither bedridden nor a patient in a nursing home. Therefore, the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) or housebound status are not met.

The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective June 18, 2005, and awarded entitlement to a TDIU from that date. The veteran's earlier service connection claim was denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for depression that he claims is secondary to his service-connected head injury residuals. The Board has determined that further development, including a VA examination and notification of the claimant, is needed before this issue can be decided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Barrett's esophagitis and depression secondary to a dental disability. The decision also dismissed his claim for heart disease secondary to a dental disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected VA pension benefits due to his unemployability being primarily attributed to substance abuse, and not due to service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his in-service head injury or service-connected headaches, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a back disorder remains pending.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation greater than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and examining the appellant to determine if his psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for Leishmaniasis and related symptoms is granted, effective October 27, 1994. The earlier effective date of July 3, 1998 for the grant of service connection for multiple disabilities and assignment of a total rating based on individual unemployability is also confirmed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's gouty arthritis is rated at 100 percent disabling. His depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling. The gallbladder disease has been rated at 30 percent since June 6, 2001, and in excess of 30 percent on and after March 25, 2005. There is no evaluation for renal insufficiency or GERD with Barrett's esophagus. Service connection was granted for hepatitis B.