Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder have been granted service connection, with a rating of 30 percent for the period from October 24, 2005 to April 1, 2007.

The appellant's claim for an extension of her delimiting date was denied because she did not provide sufficient evidence showing the specific dates during which her physical and mental disabilities prevented her from completing her chosen education program.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was initially granted but denied for increased ratings. The RO found that the evidence did not show impairment warranting a higher rating from April 25, 2005 to September 13, 2006, and denied an increase prior to that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Court has remanded the case to the Board for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression, PTSD, or paranoid schizophrenia. The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any psychiatric issues during his military service. His claims for service connection are denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran is now entitled to have her claim reviewed on its merits, with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder being related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral pes planus, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for major depressive disorder. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated as 10 percent disabling based on moderate acquired flatfoot symptoms. Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were not established due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected bulimia nervosa and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, effective December 4, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, primarily manifested by anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance, is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating. The Board finds that the symptoms since June 2007 are consistent with this evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. However, a remand is necessary as the VA examinations did not consider whether his medications render him housebound.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination, including a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a higher initial evaluation to 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not due to disease or injury incurred in service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, arthritis of the bilateral hands, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression). The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a decision on service connection for depression and readjudication of the total disability evaluation claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and clinical records associated with the Veteran's incarceration.

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