Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 21, 2004 for a 100 percent evaluation for major depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder and determined that there is no relationship between fibromyalgia and the veteran's military service.

The veteran's major depression with panic disorder and simple phobias is rated at 30 percent, effective August 2, 2002. The claim for service connection for essential tremors remains pending as the RO has not made a decision on this issue.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and dysthymia, effective as of November 2004.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected schizophrenia prior to April 19, 1995 was granted. The effective date is February 28, 1981.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, was not incurred or aggravated during his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound. The Board found that he does not have a factual need for aid and attendance, nor is he substantially confined to his home.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not result in more than occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. As a result, they denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD.

The veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is found to be caused by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including the request for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for various symptoms. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and for VA outpatient dental treatment due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between her military service and any diagnosed conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted, with a current evaluation of 10 percent. The claims for sleep apnea and depression and personality disorder have been reopened but not substantiated on the merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for an initial compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy was also denied.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and other conditions were granted, with the presumption of service connection due to his military service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Gulf War.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The veteran's hospitalizations were for treatment of non-service-connected conditions and did not meet the criteria for a temporary total disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29.

The veteran is granted a special monthly pension on account of being housebound due to his service-connected schizoaffective disorder and major depression with psychotic features, which result in total occupational and social impairment. The need for regular aid and attendance from another person is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (depression) but denied his claim for left knee disability.