Depression decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his service-connected depressive disorder with anxiety and irritability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records since July 2004 and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions of peptic ulcer disease, anxiety, and depression are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's major depression and PTSD were found to warrant a 70% rating since September 19, 1999. The appeal was denied as the disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 1, 2002 for bronchogenic carcinoma and associated conditions was granted. Service connection for residuals of bronchogenic carcinoma was also granted with a 10 percent rating. The veteran's eye condition claim was denied.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current sinusitis, back disability, or bilateral hearing loss disability. The service connection claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for his post-traumatic stress disorder with depression, as his symptoms meet the criteria for such an increased evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adenocarcinoma of the prostate, depressive disorder, and impotence, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for verification of stressors and clarification of diagnoses.

The case is being remanded for further development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for depression, including as secondary to defective vision with bilateral optic atrophy, and entitlement to an increased rating for defective vision with bilateral optic atrophy.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that he experienced incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.,The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees was denied as there was no competent medical evidence linking arthritis to his active duty service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, anxiety disorder, and depression have all been denied. The claim for PTSD has not been addressed in this decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The veteran's special monthly compensation claim is being remanded due to the need for a decision on his service connection claim for a back disability, which is inextricably intertwined with this claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, indicating serious impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that the glioblastoma was not related to his service and did not contribute to his death.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a nervous condition (likely depression) as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board has ordered the RO to obtain Social Security Administration records and schedule the veteran for a C&P examination to determine if his diagnosed mental disorders are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's son, T., was permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday for purposes of accrued benefits and benefits due and payable subsequent to the veteran's death.

The veteran's service-connected frostbite residuals and bipolar disorder have been rated appropriately, with no need for higher ratings based on the provided evidence.