Depression decisions — 2006

The Board has previously granted a 50 percent evaluation for major depression. The veteran is seeking an increase to a higher rating, and the case is being remanded due to concerns about the severity of his condition and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major depression with anxiety, chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a dysthymic disorder and right hand osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities related to military service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal concerning issues 2 through 9, leaving only the claims for major depressive disorder and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions and denied both his claim for service connection for the cause of death and his DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The veteran's patellar femoral syndrome of the right knee is related to his service, and he was granted service connection for this condition. The claims for HIV, depression, and migraine headaches are not addressed as they were not part of the original appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any currently diagnosed psychiatric disability is related to service and whether the veteran was exposed to in-service stressors that could lead to PTSD. The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically a psychotic and depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The evidence does not establish continuity of symptoms following service and there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to any incident during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder, are related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current left foot disorder related to service, and the veteran's current dysthymia and ADHD are not linked to his military service.,VA medical records do not show any link between the veteran's obesity and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, is reasonably attributable to his service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depression/nervous disorder, hepatitis, ischemic heart disease with hypertension (claimed as a heart condition), and grand mal seizures. The claim to reopen a claim for post-traumatic disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine was also denied.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, including unauthorized absences and theft. As a result, he is not entitled to health care and related benefits under Chapter 17 of Title 38.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression due to incomplete development of evidence, including obtaining an OSI report related to in-service personal assault. The VA will conduct further examination and obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's current psychiatric conditions and her service.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance, finding that the claim was abandoned due to failure to submit requested income information within one year of a February 2002 letter. The earliest effective date assigned is July 1, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically depressive disorder, is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not demonstrate that the veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude all forms of gainful employment.

The veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of higher ratings based on the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a psychiatric disorder during active service or within one year of separation, and his condition was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty for training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, had its onset during service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that there is no relationship between the veteran's diagnosed depression and his service-connected hypertension, thus denying the claim for secondary service connection.