Depression decisions — 2009

The Board granted service connection for depression, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for depression and status post radical retropubic prostatectomy due to prostate cancer, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's son, D.C., was not shown to have been permanently incapable of self-support by reason of a mental or physical condition prior to attaining the age of 18.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for proper scheduling of a videoconference hearing.

The appeal for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, while the issue of bronchiectasis with drug dependence is being remanded.

The veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD) was rated at 50 percent from February 2, 2005 through May 5, 2008 and was subsequently increased to 100 percent effective May 6, 2008.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a fracture of the right tibia and fibula, major depression, and headaches are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and depression were denied as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions. The claim for arthritis was also denied due to the lack of evidence linking it to his military service. For bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids, non-compensable ratings were assigned.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain, as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or acute signs and symptoms requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, and the claim for a low back disability was denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between the current condition and active service.

The reduction in the disability rating of the Veteran's service-connected adenocarcinoma of the prostate status post radical retropubic prostatectomy from 100 to 20 percent, effective June 1, 2007, was proper.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for major depressive disorder, and TDIU.

The Board remands the case for additional development to comply with the instructions of a joint motion from the Court.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed psychiatric disability, major depression with anxiety and psychotic features, had its onset during service.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and ensure compliance with the VCAA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, limitation of motion of the lumbar spine with pain, hemorrhoids, and hypertension were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and related depression have been primarily manifested by social isolation, avoidance, intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, anxiety, near-continuous depression, panic attacks, insomnia, mild memory loss, suicidal ideation, difficulty in maintaining work and social relationships due to anger and irritability, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work and family relationships. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD and related depression.