Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right hallux valgus was granted, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) and HIV were also granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds due to his mental health conditions and alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher initial rating for his acquired mental disorder-major depression were denied as there was no evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to June 13, 2000. The RO assigned the earliest possible effective date based on the date of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and major depressive disorder are granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy, squamous cell carcinoma, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's depression has been characterized by irritability and some suicidal ideation, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not cause significant impairment in most areas such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim. The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depression is found to be related to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and assigned an initial rating of 50 percent. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible level (70 percent). Ratings higher than 20 percent, 10 percent, or 10 percent are denied for fibromyalgia, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee respectively.

The Veteran is granted service connection for residuals of a brain injury, to include as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and his effective date for the increased rating of major depressive disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis has aggravated his major depressive disorder, and he is granted a 30 percent evaluation for this condition. His gastritis is also rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain VA treatment records and for further appellate review of the Veteran's claims, including those related to PTSD and a depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for bronchial asthma and evaluation for a nervous disorder are also being addressed.

The Veteran's depression, sleep disorder, and headaches are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and depression have been denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to secure updated VA treatment records and a psychiatric evaluation. The case will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's service experience constitutes a stressor for posttraumatic stress disorder and whether his depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury to include depression, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's PTSD with a major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects moderate impairment. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for more severe disability levels.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence was received to reopen the claims for service connection for depression, cyst, benign tumor of the neck, and syncope. As such, these claims are denied.