Depression decisions — 2009

The Board finds that the Veteran's depression was not incurred in active service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. Therefore, service connection for depression is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression due to a lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and a psychiatric examination to distinguish service-connected PTSD from any nonservice-connected psychiatric disorders. Additionally, a tinnitus evaluation is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, attributing her current psychiatric conditions to non-service-related factors. The Veteran's personality disorder was not found to be a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board denied service connection for depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and COPD. Service connection for hepatitis C was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were withdrawn at a hearing. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder with psychotic features was dismissed.

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder NOS has not resulted in the level of occupational and social impairment required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder have been rated at 100 percent effective September 27, 2007, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disability during service or within one year after discharge, and concluded that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor or a link between current symptoms and active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and upper back disability, headache disability, and depression are being remanded due to her failure to report for a VA examination. The case will be reconsidered based on the evidence of record.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current anxiety is secondary to his service-connected recurrent varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for psychiatric disorders and seizure disorder, finding no current disability or disease due to spina bifida occulta. The claim was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis was granted a 20% evaluation, effective from July 28, 2004. His mood disorder/depression associated with hepatitis C with cirrhosis received an initial 50% evaluation from July 28, 2004 to August 24, 2005 and remains at 50%. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension claims are pending.

The veteran's service connection for postoperative left shoulder bursitis and tendinopathy was granted, with a 10 percent evaluation initially assigned in October 2007. The evaluation was increased to 20 percent effective February 22, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Anxiety disorder, and Depressive disorder not otherwise specified was denied as there is no competent medical evidence indicating the presence of these conditions. The September 2005 VA compensation examiner did not diagnose PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive and anxiety disorders are related to his service, granting his claim for service connection.