Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU/DEA were denied as the earliest date of entitlement was March 1, 2002 when VA issued a new regulation expanding presumptive service connection for fibromyalgia, major depressive disorder (secondary to fibromyalgia), and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service, nor was there sufficient evidence linking them to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's pension claim is granted as he meets the requirements for non-service-connected pension due to his severe back impairment, which has been determined by SSA to be disabling.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD with major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining records of mental health treatment from 1983 through May 2001.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. However, the TDIU issue is being held in abeyance until the reopening of the depression claim is finalized.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is not related to service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for Eustachian tube dysfunction of the left ear and has determined that his acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is related to his active military service. The decision grants these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and glaucoma. The Board finds that his current depression is related to his military service, specifically due to the negative impact of his glaucoma on his vision. His glaucoma was not aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including cognitive and depressive disorders, was granted. The claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been medically attributed to in-service combat exposure in Southwest Asia.,Based on the preponderance of the evidence, the Veteran was engaged in combat in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying a claimed stressor and obtaining an updated VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any current mental disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors cannot be verified, and thus service connection for PTSD is denied. However, the Veteran may still receive service connection for a psychiatric disorder related to his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. Other claims were not addressed due to the need for additional development.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran has any non-PTSD psychiatric disorders related to his active service.

The Veteran is entitled to a higher initial evaluation of 100 percent for his service-connected PTSD for the portion of the appeal period prior to January 14, 2009.

The Veteran's depression is caused by his service-connected bilateral knee disorders. The claims for PTSD, a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29, and for a higher initial evaluation of the right knee disorder are withdrawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, ankle, and back conditions as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder. The Veteran's depression claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for depression was denied, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for renal failure was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to inconsistencies in her employment and income during the period of appeal, as well as potential SSA disability benefits records.