Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a personality disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia with depression. The Board found that the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for blackouts, back disorder, depression, muscle spasms, and memory loss. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected back and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of meningitis, to include headaches, are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion to differentiate between service-connected and non-service-connected psychiatric symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disability, hepatitis B and C, low back disability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis, and major depressive disorder are not related to his service. The diagnoses were attributed to post-service drug use.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression and anxiety did not manifest in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 70 percent since September 9, 2005. He is also entitled to a separate compensable evaluation for his right knee subluxation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability and acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, were not incurred or aggravated in service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep disorder are found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claims for swelling of the legs, stiffness of joints (other than neuropathy), and dizziness and blackouts were denied as not being related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder with dysthymia is likely attributable to his military service, granting him service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. Personality disorder was also ruled out as a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder, not otherwise specified) is found to be caused by or the result of his service-connected skin condition.

The Board found that the appellant's depression is not related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected meningioma. The TDIU claim based on this condition will be reconsidered.