Depression decisions — 2007

The veteran's depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of her service-connected low back disability, warranting a grant of service connection. The lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritis and disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The right salpingectomy has been granted a compensable evaluation.

The Board found no current residuals of a right hand and thumb injury, thus denying service connection for this condition. Service connection was also denied for depression due to lack of competent evidence showing its onset during service or being related to service.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for major depression and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent under either the old or revised schedular criteria, as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant such a rating. The veteran also does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic depression warrants a 50 percent disability rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that an effective date of March 6, 2001, is warranted for a 70 percent evaluation for anxiety reaction with conversion features and a TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a personality disorder. The decision also noted that the veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The VA has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder warrants a 10 percent rating since May 19, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headache disorder and major depressive disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses are related to his military service and whether any stressor events have resulted in PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to several issues, including obtaining legible copies of medical records from Dr. E. M., providing a more thorough explanation for the denial of higher ratings, and sending VCAA notice.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for copies of ship logs from the U.S.S. Ranger (CVA-61) during June 1966, which may provide evidence related to a personal assault claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that her major depressive disorder did not meet criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection for migraines was reopened based on new evidence but no effective date prior to May 31, 2002 is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increase for headaches, depression, residuals of a left clavicle fracture, and left elbow neuropathy due to additional development being needed.

The veteran claims service connection for depression, which he alleges originated during his military service. The VA is required to order a medical examination of the veteran due to insufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder was not incurred during his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's depressive disorder and herniated disc at L4-5, bulging disc at L1-S1 with lumbar spasm, myositis and degenerative joint disease. The initial evaluations have been set at 20 percent each.