Depression decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appeal was also not successful in establishing a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection for transverse myelitis or sexual dysfunction, and that there was no objective evidence showing that the December 1993 hospitalization was for treatment of his service-connected low back sprain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an increased rating for major depression, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or service-connected disabilities. The effective date for service connection for major depression remains unchanged at June 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's PTSD diagnosis and its relation to service. The veteran is requested to provide medical records, undergo a VA examination, and clarify his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression and paranoid schizophrenia, finding that these conditions did not have their onset during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence supports a finding that the veteran's dysthymia and major depressive disorder originated during his period of active duty, granting service connection for these psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for major depressive disorder and an initial evaluation of 10 percent for right patellofemoral pain syndrome, finding that the veteran's conditions result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board granted service connection for an anxiety disorder with depression, finding that the veteran's symptoms are linked to his witnessing of a fatal plane crash during active duty. The claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for further development of the record, including obtaining his complete service medical records and scheduling him for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder with depression is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder warrants a 100 percent rating effective November 1, 2005.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from March 23, 2006. The veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The veteran was granted a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for her chronic depressive disorder from January 24, 2000 to September 11, 2003.,Prior to this period, she had been rated at 50 percent.

The veteran's death was due to sepsis, and he had a long history of psychiatric symptoms. The RO's November 4, 1986 decision failed to assign a 100% rating as of July 1, 1986, which the Board found to be clear and unmistakable error. As a result, the veteran was continuously rated totally disabling for more than 10 years prior to his death, meeting the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and gastrointestinal disorders, finding no evidence of a link to his active military service. The issues regarding headaches and erectile dysfunction are pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and arthritis of both knees are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an updated medical opinion regarding her psychiatric condition and reviewing the service records for potential stressors.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and therefore his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depression and schizoaffective disorder, is related to his active military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.