Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected major depression is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and notification of the consequences of failing to appear.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, including service treatment records and medical records from Andrews Air Force Base. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mood disorder with anxiety and depression is being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder/major depressive disorder is manifested by total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self or others, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively. The Board finds that a 100 percent disability evaluation for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral artery disease, respiratory disorder, benign prostatic hypertrophy, depression, gouty arthritis, congestive heart failure, drug-induced dyspepsia, and dyslipidemia, were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or a link to service. The Veteran's claims for PTSD are also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse was rated at 30 percent from July 16, 2004 to May 13, 2007, and increased to 50 percent effective July 1, 2007.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic cervical spine/neck disorder, chronic back injury residuals, and major depressive disorder. The evidence now shows current diagnoses related to these conditions that are at least as likely as not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder warrants a 70 percent evaluation effective from March 18, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression, as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis. The claim to reopen the service connection for anxiety disorder (claimed as associated with Agent Orange exposure) was not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is manifested by occupational and social impairment which most nearly approximates occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal).

The Veteran's generalized anxiety reaction with depression does not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, resulting in a denial of an increased rating.

The appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication of the claims for service connection for a depressive disorder, not otherwise specified and entitlement to a total rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including the increased levels of depression and anxiety and the gastrointestinal manifestation rated as being disabling to a moderately severe degree, are now shown to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work background.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD that meets the DSM-IV criteria, and there is no medical evidence linking his current symptoms to an in-service stressor event. Service connection for PTSD is therefore denied.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for depression, chronic ear impairment with waxy buildup, and chronic respiratory infections due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include as secondary to a service-connected disorder of the lumbar spine.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, but denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, right knee chondromalacia, residual pain due to left knee cellulitis, back injury residuals, morbid obesity, kidney infections, and asthma. The Board also granted initial 10 percent disability ratings for a left knee disability and asthma.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a disability related to the Veteran's military service.