Depression decisions — 2008

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ovary disorder, lower back disorder, and major depressive disorder (claimed as depression secondary to service-connected disorders).,The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's current psychiatric disability, specifically her post-traumatic stress disorder, is found to be the result of sexual assaults during her period of active military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the case requires additional development due to the need for clarification of the veteran's periods of active duty and inactive duty training, as well as further examination regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The Board has dismissed the appeal for special home adaptation as the veteran withdrew his appeal at the July 2007 hearing. Entitlement to specially adapted housing is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected panic disorder with depression on his employability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left elbow disability is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The veteran's depressive disorder is currently evaluated at 30 percent and the Board found no basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for depression and insomnia has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed acquired neuropsychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims for hepatitis C, degenerative disc disease, and grinding of teeth were also denied.

The veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. His initial rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 50 percent prior to October 20, 2007, and increases to 80 percent thereafter.

The veteran's vascular problems, erectile dysfunction, depression, and nerve damage are not service-connected under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder more nearly approximates the criteria for a 70 percent rating, warranting an initial evaluation of 70 percent for the entire appeal period.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient corroborative evidence to support the veteran's claim of PTSD, and her depression is found to be related to a service-connected condition (migraine headaches). The right shoulder disability is not considered service connected.

The veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have evidence of service connection for any of his claimed conditions, and thus denied all claims.

The veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder was granted, with a 30 percent rating effective March 7, 2003. The current appeal is about whether the disability warrants a higher rating.