Depression decisions — 2007

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic headache disorder and found that the veteran's current sinusitis/allergies, positive TB test, fibroadenoma of the left breast (claimed as breast biopsy), high blood pressure, and other conditions are not related to her military service.

The Board has restored the veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome rating to 30 percent effective April 1, 2005. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a psychiatric disability (to include depression and/or PTSD), and a sleep disorder are all denied as there is no competent evidence to support these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with depression warrants a 50 percent evaluation, but not higher. The service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left foot metatarsophalangeal joint is rated at 20 percent, but not higher.

The Board found that there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxiety.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically major depression. The evidence did not support a link between his current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's low back strain, effective from May 17, 2001. The veteran's low back disability is manifested primarily by complaints of pain and limitation of motion, with mild degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying service exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's claims for Crohn's Disease, diabetes mellitus (including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure), and depression are pending.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for emotional instability reaction, also claimed as neurosis and depression has been withdrawn before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for separate ratings for her back disability and service connection for depression due to pending VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection. The Board also determined that depression was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The veteran's current depressive disorder was not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for anxiety disorder and a TDIU rating based on the date of receipt of the claim in April 3, 1990. The effective dates were adjusted to reflect earlier dates.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot disability and found that the veteran's major depressive disorder is fully resolved. The rating assigned remains noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and major depression were denied. The RO found that the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus had been granted, and there was no legal basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent or 70 percent disability evaluation.

The veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features was rated at 50 percent prior to August 9, 2005 and at 70 percent on and after that date. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted (increased rating) while others were denied (original rating).

The Board's March 31, 2000 decision regarding the recoupment of a special separation bonus award for service-connected depressive disorder is dismissed due to a motion being withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.