Depression decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities resulting from a May 6, 2007 motor vehicle accident were due to his own willful misconduct and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent prior to March 11, 2009 and 70 percent from that date. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either period.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction are denied. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of a compensable evaluation for hepatitis with depression is dismissed as there is no legal entitlement to such.

The Veteran does not currently suffer from bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or gout and did not have these conditions during any time period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only was also denied as there is no evidence of loss of use of both hands or feet, nor vision impairment that would qualify him under the applicable regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, left knee disability, right elbow laceration scar, and depression due to a lack of competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and compensation for major depressive disorder, finding that the earliest communication was his February 28, 2006 claim to reopen a previously denied claim in August 2002.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher evaluation for his left hip disability were denied. The appeal was based on new evidence that reopened the claim, but no specific rating or effective date is assigned.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (Veteran) withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS, was related to his active military service. The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and VCAA notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar on the back of the head with migraines, finding no evidence of such condition in service or post-service. The psychiatric disorder claim is pending.

The Board found that the appellant's current psychiatric disability is not causally related to his active service or any incident therein.

The Board has decided to grant the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. The decision is based on evidence that supports a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to clarify whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and/or schizophrenia was denied as there is no competent evidence of a current psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining unit histories of the Veteran's service at Da Nang Air Base and conducting a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disability is related to his active service.

The Board is considering whether the Veteran's depression is related to service, either directly or as a result of his skin disability. The decision will determine if the Veteran can establish service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation based on hospital treatment in excess of 21 days was denied. Her TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of Social Security Administration records.