Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's eye disorders and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the Veteran's refractive errors of the eyes are not disabilities for VA purposes, and his cataracts were first noted many years after separation from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is more likely a residual of his in-service traumatic experiences.

The Board denied a request for an effective date earlier than February 5, 2004, for the grant of Total Disability based on Unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of factual evidence showing entitlement prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify a claimed stressor and determine if the Veteran suffers from PTSD related to any verified stressor.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further review by the Director, Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nerve damage to the neck and depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of either condition, nor was there sufficient medical opinion linking these conditions to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer and acquired psychiatric disorder are service-connected. The cervical spine disorder claim is reopened, but the evidence does not support a grant of service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for recognition as a former prisoner of war and service connection for depression, finding insufficient evidence to support his assertions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling since November 6, 2008. The evidence shows that his symptoms have worsened to a level of severe impairment but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, making it difficult to establish and maintain effective work and social relationships. The Board has determined that a 50 percent rating for depression is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person or due to being housebound was not met, thus denying his claim for restoration of special monthly pension.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and major depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, specifically due to exposure to chemical agents.

The Veteran's current depressive disorder is related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be addressed after a new disability evaluation is assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his current conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of June 21, 2004 for service connection for PTSD and also denied his claim that the October 2002 rating decision denying service connection for depression was clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for depression and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for arthrosclerosis were denied in an October 2004 rating decision, and the appeal was not timely filed.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, was denied. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.