Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities reasonably result in his requiring assistance with a number of his activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing, and he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise and supports a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is likely related to her service-connected hypothyroidism, and thus grants service connection for depression as secondary to her service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with his claims. As a result, the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of opinions from VA examiners.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as Major Depression, is service connected due to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's skin disability, which includes tinea versicolor with variously diagnosed skin rash, has been rated at 60 percent since March 31, 2010. The condition requires constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids and affects more than 40 percent of his body.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his reported stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. His combined disability rating remains at 80%.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date before December 18, 2006, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder and bony exostoses in upper sternotomy scar were denied as there was no pending claim or informal claim prior to that date.,The effective dates for both conditions cannot be earlier than December 18, 2006, due to the one-year rule after separation from active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a DRO hearing. The case will be returned to the Board once completed.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder does not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, so he is not entitled to a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and heart disease (including congestive heart failure and hypertension) are all service-connected. The psychiatric condition is linked to his service-connected erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to the initial evaluations for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, a scar of the dorsum of the left hand, and chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for syphilis, herpes, and depression were previously denied in September 2004. New evidence has been submitted that relates to the unestablished fact of whether these conditions are related to his military service.,The RO will now consider whether new evidence supports reopening the claims of service connection for syphilis, herpes, and depression.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, right hip arthritis, and secondary service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, mood disorder, major depressive disorder and cognitive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depression with PTSD symptoms, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his skin disability. Service connection for PTSD will be considered as part of this expanded claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis, depression, and lung disorder due to potential service connection issues related to his in-service use of heroin and exposure to mustard gas/lewisite.