Depression decisions — 2009

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, a lung disability secondary to asbestos exposure, and depression. The evidence did not show that the appellant served in Vietnam or had any service-connected conditions that could be linked to his current disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. The claim for a back disability and tinnitus was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for depression, which he attributes to both personal and professional stressors during his military service. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining mental health treatment records from the appropriate repository and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's depression is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to his service-connected disabilities and is therefore denied.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not considered secondary to his service-connected disabilities and is also denied.,There is no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder, so the claim for service connection for depression is denied.

The Board found no evidence of current PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability, and the Veteran's symptoms were attributed to his history of alcohol abuse. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and depression, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not due to his military service. The Board concluded that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to an acoustic neuroma he had removed after discharge, and his depression is secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, effective from August 30, 2004. The claim for service connection for depression was also granted as it is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of any mental disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to his service or service-connected disabilities, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical right trapezius strain was rated at 10 percent prior to April 5, 2008 and increased to 20 percent beginning on that date.,For the period of time beginning April 5, 2008, the Veteran's cervical right trapezius strain is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scars, status-post appendectomy with adhesions are currently manifested by two scars. The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 10 percent for these scars.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is found to be related to in-service personal assault events. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for major depressive disorder, effective January 27, 2004. The appellant's claim was reopened based on new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, a condition of the feet, hypertension, and a psychiatric condition to include depression. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service. The decision also acknowledges a secondary service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the service-connected bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with depression and anxiety is being remanded due to incomplete records from VA medical facilities and private treatment sources.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression/anxiety, hypertension, and a left knee disability as secondary to his service-connected back and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and reopening of service connection claims were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating above the assigned levels or reopen any of the previously denied claims.