Depression decisions — 2007

The Board has granted an increased rating of 50 percent for major depressive disorder effective November 18, 2003. The veteran's symptoms include depression affecting his ability to function independently and effectively, suicidal ideation, some findings of panic attacks, affect that was dysphoric with crying and irritability, poor insight, judgment 'ok', thought-process somewhat tangential, slightly hyper-talkative without pressure, somatic complaints including heart racing, skin crawling, chest tightness (transient), insomnia, and nerves. The GAF score range is 35 to 65.

The veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for a bladder disability, anxiety, a sinus disability, and a disorder manifested by lumps in the breasts prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant's military service discharge was under dishonorable conditions, and thus a bar to VA benefits. The claim for new evidence to reopen this issue is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for major depression as secondary to residuals of removal of sebaceous cyst, left cheek. However, the evidence does not support a finding that PTSD is related to service or any service-connected condition.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder with major depression, is rated at 70 percent and he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective January 7, 2002. The effective date for the initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for his psychiatric disability cannot be earlier than January 7, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and chronic pain disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran was granted individual unemployability from October 31, 2001. The attorney is entitled to payment of attorneys fees based on this decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the DRO and further development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as not incurred in or related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and the need for further examination.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected depressive disorder, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the evidence and determine whether the veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for hypertension, depression, headaches as secondary to hypertension, panic attacks as secondary to hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II (DMII).

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue to the AOJ for additional development due to a change in the hearing officer.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression and assigned a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of major depressive disorder and an increased evaluation of residuals of a fracture of the right humerus with arthritis. The Board found no causal relationship between the veteran's service-connected right arm and hand disabilities and his claimed psychiatric condition, and thus denied both claims.

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for major depressive disorder, which reflects occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and reduced reliability due to symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive memories or thoughts, and sleep difficulty.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder, psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and tinnitus are not service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, bilateral ankle disability, left fifth finger disability, and pes planus. The decision also addressed a claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral pes planus but found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.