Depression decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of conduct and emotion, schizoaffective disorder, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, and paranoid schizophrenia, is not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran has PTSD due to an in-service sexual assault, which was corroborated by credible evidence. The claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's depression was rated at 100 percent effective from April 4, 2005.

The Board found that the veteran did not have depression with anxiety during service and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms. The current diagnosis of depression was first noted years after service, and the Board determined it is less likely related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service, including any periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder with depression and severe psychotic features is September 6, 2002. The veteran's claim was received on that date, and thus she cannot be granted an earlier effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right foot calluses, an increased rating for chronic eczema of the hands and feet, and a 30 percent rating for major depressive disorder. The evidence did not support granting any of these ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and his dysthymia is not related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's major depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from September 30, 2004. The rating was granted as the condition meets criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU on a schedular basis were denied. The effective date of an award is generally based on the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically depression and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound or in need of the aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board finds no evidence of a current psychiatric disability that is related to service, and the veteran's claims for PTSD, mood disorder, and depression are denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have a low back disability and denied service connection for this condition. The claim of major depression was also denied as there is no evidence linking it to active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure with hypertension, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

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

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service, including exposure to chemical warfare agents. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder and GERD have been granted, with a 30 percent rating assigned for the psychiatric condition and a 10 percent rating assigned for GERD, both effective October 1, 2002.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder was granted, and she is now rated at 50% effective from July 25, 2006.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression due to impotence and for impotence, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or any incident thereof.