Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for restoration of a 40% evaluation for his service-connected right knee disability, effective December 1, 2006. The claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Symptoms is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II and eczema (claimed as rash/itching), are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records from a therapist. A psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and migraines, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected psychotic disorder with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which grants him the maximum disability rating for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for effective dates of August 18, 2007 for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, tinnitus, and a right lower leg scar.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic schizophrenia, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD with panic attacks), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied. The decision is based on new evidence received after the Veteran filed his reopened claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is not etiologically related to her active military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 27, 2001 for the grant of service connection for dysthymia (formerly claimed as anxiety and depression). The Veteran's claim was initially filed in June 2001.

The Veteran's claimed in-service stressors have been verified, and his PTSD has been diagnosed based on these verified stressors. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, finding no probative evidence indicating that his current condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining the appellant's service personnel records and SSI application records, scheduling VA examinations for migraine headaches and depressive disorder, and notifying the appellant of secondary service connection requirements. The appeal will be remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC).

The Veteran's PTSD and chronic depression are service-connected due to in-service stressors, with the PTSD being linked to sexual trauma and physical assault.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental conditions. The evidence submitted was found not new or material.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam and granting him this benefit. The issue of reopening his previously denied claim for an acquired psychiatric condition is also resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder has been characterized by irritability, sleep disturbances, nightmares, depression, impaired recent memory, and occasional auditory hallucinations, resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.