Depression decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder, finding that no evidence existed to support such a determination based on the record and law at the time of the October 2001 rating decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical radiculopathy, shoulder and arm disability, depression, COPD, and TDIU. The new evidence submitted did not support reopening of the claim for cervical radiculopathy.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted. He is now assigned a 10% evaluation for his right elbow disability, which includes ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depression, is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and requests for additional information from a private physician. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, was not incurred or aggravated in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a chronic psychiatric disorder present in service or currently, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's atrial fibrillation was rated at 30 percent from April 16, 2004 to January 8, 2006 and increased to 60 percent since January 9, 2006. His major depressive disorder remains at a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling, while his anal fistula is rated as noncompensable.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for depression, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current psychiatric disorder and military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including major depressive disorder, residuals of a back injury, right foot disorder, and tremors, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injuries or a link between current disabilities and service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and other physical conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that she is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with depression was incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to December 10, 2003.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, claiming it as depression, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. His claims for increased ratings for his left knee disability and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are also denied.

The Board denied all claims, including the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified stressors.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cardiac ischemia and hypertension, left great toe fractures, tinnitus, depression, and hearing loss, are found to be sufficient for a TDIU determination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective November 8, 2001.