Depression Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current disability of hearing loss as defined by VA regulations. For his knee and hand conditions, the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. The adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety was also not rated at a higher level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and anxiety and depression, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, most recently diagnosed as a depressive disorder, was incurred due to active service and is granted service connection.

The veteran's toxoplasmosis productive of vision impairment is rated at 40 percent, and the claims for acne, prostatitis, hearing loss, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right hip strain, depression, and insomnia are all granted.

The veteran withdrew her appeal on the claims of service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and major depressive disorder, as well as a higher initial evaluation for bladder incontinency and urgency.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, effective September 1, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the likely date of onset of the veteran's depression and whether it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and development due to an inadequate April 2004 VA examination report.

The Board has found service connection granted for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, right hand tremor, and anxiety and depression due to exposure to herbicides (presumptive under Agent Orange Act), DDT, and other chemicals during military service in Korea.

Prior to March 13, 2008, the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder were manifested by moderate symptoms including anxiety with some depressed mood about once a week, crying spells, poor sleep, several panic attacks, and a GAF score range of 55 to 68. The evaluation was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, depression, and a sleep disorder with fatigue and weakness due to lack of current medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, due to military sexual trauma. The Board has determined that further development is needed, particularly in obtaining records from the Security Police regarding a claimed sexual assault incident.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or depression, and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, a skin condition (presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and depression. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased evaluations of chronic anxiety with depression and tension headaches due to a failure to timely file a Substantive Appeal within the required time frame.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to her military service. Other claimed disabilities were not found to be service-connected.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder is not due to a disease or injury incurred in service, including PTSD linked to confirmed in-service stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and depression due to incomplete medical records, lack of Social Security Administration records, and need for additional examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and verifying in-service stressors related to PTSD. The veteran's claims for bilateral varicose veins and left knee disorder will also be reviewed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and records to determine the current severity of his low back disability and depression.