Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, as there was no current clinical diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder or a diagnosis of PTSD made in accordance with the DSM-IV.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for a low back disorder, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, depression, and a bilateral elbow disorder as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound of the left shoulder and arm is not manifested by actual loss of use of the left shoulder and arm, and his major depression is manifested by occupational and social impairment with an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of an inability to perform occupational tasks. The Veteran's combined disability rating does not preclude him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

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.