Depression decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and anxiety because he did not file a timely substantive appeal within the required time frame.

The veteran's multiple disabilities, including psychiatric disorders and physical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, are found to be severe enough to render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, but granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and depression with a 10 percent initial evaluation. The veteran's claim for an increased rating to 50 percent was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ankle disability, PTSD, or an acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to service. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation for various conditions, including a head injury laceration scar, left ankle disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, dehydration, hepatitis B exposure, heart condition, hypertension, chronic respiratory disorder, sinusitis, and post-operative deviated nasal septum.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current disability of hearing loss as defined by VA regulations. For his knee and hand conditions, the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. The adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety was also not rated at a higher level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and anxiety and depression, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, most recently diagnosed as a depressive disorder, was incurred due to active service and is granted service connection.

The veteran's toxoplasmosis productive of vision impairment is rated at 40 percent, and the claims for acne, prostatitis, hearing loss, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right hip strain, depression, and insomnia are all granted.

The veteran withdrew her appeal on the claims of service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and major depressive disorder, as well as a higher initial evaluation for bladder incontinency and urgency.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, effective September 1, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the likely date of onset of the veteran's depression and whether it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and development due to an inadequate April 2004 VA examination report.

The Board has found service connection granted for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, right hand tremor, and anxiety and depression due to exposure to herbicides (presumptive under Agent Orange Act), DDT, and other chemicals during military service in Korea.

Prior to March 13, 2008, the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder were manifested by moderate symptoms including anxiety with some depressed mood about once a week, crying spells, poor sleep, several panic attacks, and a GAF score range of 55 to 68. The evaluation was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, depression, and a sleep disorder with fatigue and weakness due to lack of current medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, due to military sexual trauma. The Board has determined that further development is needed, particularly in obtaining records from the Security Police regarding a claimed sexual assault incident.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or depression, and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, a skin condition (presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and depression. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased evaluations of chronic anxiety with depression and tension headaches due to a failure to timely file a Substantive Appeal within the required time frame.