Depression decisions — 2008

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral pes planus, did not reopen the claims of service connection for major depression on a direct basis and hematuria, but reopened the claim for service connection for uterus fibroid disorder. The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inaction on part of the claim, and the issues are intertwined with whether new and material evidence was received to reopen varicose veins and hepatitis C claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss are not attributable to his active military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) and aid and attendance at the intermediate rate was denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found no evidence of chronic depression during service and denied the claim for service connection. For right shoulder tendonitis, there was a single entry in service records indicating tenderness of the 'right' shoulder due to tendonitis in 1995 without recurrence. The veteran's current symptoms were not related to service. For left shoulder tendonitis, the same history was noted during retirement examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice. The veteran's major depressive disorder will be evaluated by a VA psychiatrist.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD. The veteran was seen by a psychiatrist during his second period of service and hospitalized for psychiatric reasons shortly after discharge from the Coast Guard in early 1978. Additional development is needed to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, effective April 15, 2002. The condition causes significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the veteran's depression did not originate during her periods of active service and is not otherwise etiologically related to either period of service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a video conference hearing before the Board. The current evaluation of 50 percent for major depressive disorder with panic disorder remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is related to his active duty service, and he also has a diagnosed psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board found no evidence of any service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current mood disorder is aggravated by his service-connected back strain, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, including multiple sexual assaults by superior officers, have not been verified and thus service connection for PTSD cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder without agoraphobia and major depressive disorder, are related to his military service. The evidence shows he experienced symptoms during service and continued to experience them post-service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerative colitis and depression with anxiety, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with panic disorder and agoraphobia, and major depressive disorder. The issue of service connection for panic attacks is rendered moot due to the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, major depression, social anxiety disorder, substance induced mood disorder, mood disorder and alcohol related mood disorder, did not begin in or is otherwise related to his military service.