Depression decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a PTSD diagnosis and finds that his other psychiatric conditions are not service-connected. The TDIU claim is also denied as there is no combined rating of 70% or more for service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, schizophrenia and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection for a major depressive disorder. This includes obtaining medical records, personnel records, and possibly an examination.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric illness, but additional development is needed regarding the underlying merits of the claim.

The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar/depressive disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by an accidental drowning, but service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and depression contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned for each of his service-connected conditions. The mood disorder specified as depression received the highest rating (30%) due to its impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, severe depressive disorder, and aggressive disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic respiratory disabilities, nose and sinus disorders, cervical and lumbar spine disorders, skin disability, and major depressive disorder. The evidence did not establish a direct link to service or an undiagnosed illness due to service in the Gulf War.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The veteran's participation in combat campaigns provided credible supporting evidence to establish the occurrence of a stressor related to his PTSD.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, should be granted based on evidence and medical opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating, finding that his low back strain with ruptured disc warranted a 40 percent disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected major depression was found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation for the period from December 30, 2002 to September 30, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased rating for defective vision with bilateral optic atrophy, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking his depression to his eyesight or service in any other way.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder did not begin during service and is not related to military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for hepatitis C. The service connection claim for depression and PTSD is being remanded for further development. The claim to reopen the service connection claim for PTSD remains pending.