Depression Board decisions

The appeal was denied for an increased rating greater than 50 percent for bilateral flat feet with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and service connection for depression, but the claim for degenerative arthritis and herniated disc of the lumbar spine was reopened.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability as it is not related to the veteran's service or his service-connected low back disability. The Board also denied an increased rating for the veteran's low back disability and an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and residuals of frostbite of the feet have been reopened, but further development is needed to address the underlying merits.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression as the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified in-service stressors, and there was no credible supporting evidence linking the veteran's depression to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The veteran's major depressive disorder (MDD) was granted as it has been medically attributed to an in-service head injury and other service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected depressive disorder is being remanded to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder as there was no evidence supporting a relationship between the condition and his military service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 30 percent disability rating for right patellofemoral pain syndrome was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that his condition warranted a higher rating within one year prior to August 2, 2002.

The Board remands the claim for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Board grants service connection for a depressive disorder, claimed as secondary to the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and secondary service connection for depression.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after discharge, and no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric disability to his period of active service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, but denied it on the merits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his psychiatric disorder is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, major depression, and lung problems. The veteran's claims were denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for psychiatric disability, claimed as depression. The rating assigned is 20 percent for residuals of a right ankle sprain with traumatic arthritis.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The other claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation were granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease, and no current disability is shown.

The Board found no evidence of in-service stressor for post-traumatic stress disorder, and the veteran's depression and anxiety were not shown to have had onset during service. The claims are denied.