Depression decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's seizure disorder was not incurred in service and is presumed to have pre-existed service. The major depressive disorder and hepatitis C were also not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes, depressive disorder, hypertension (to include as secondary to diabetes), and a heart disorder due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due, the result of, or chronically aggravated by his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed anxiety disorder with depression is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of combat experience, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbosacral myositis and major depression disorder were denied. The RO continued the current ratings under revised criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for narcolepsy was reopened and granted. His diplopia is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substance abuse and alcoholism are not service-connected as they were a result of his own willful misconduct. The claims for diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and depression remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for renal dysfunction, gastritis as separate from service-connected GERD, depression with insomnia, and a skin disorder other than service-connected dermatitis are all denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and clarification of symptoms caused by MDD versus dementia.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of headaches and an undifferentiated somatoform disorder were denied as there was no evidence showing more than a slight or mild effect on employability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Florida Hospital South and providing a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from working. The issues of service connection for neuropathy, neurogenic bladder, IBS secondary to migraine headaches, depression, and alcoholism secondary to PTSD are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU issue.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and GERD, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders are related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and her attempt to reopen her DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that further VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's hypertension, depression, and kidney disability are related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee patellar femoral syndrome, low back pain, and depression due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link between any currently existing disabilities and active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear diagnosis and need for proper procedure, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.