Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for manic depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus (not related to Agent Orange exposure), and PTSD. The TDIU issue was deferred due to additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, had their onset during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current chronic psychiatric disorder that was incurred in service or within any applicable presumptive period.

The VA determined that the veteran's current depression did not start during his military service and is therefore not related to his time in the armed forces.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and his current psychiatric disorders are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for non-service-connected pension benefits was granted, and his reduction of non-service-connected pension benefits due to retroactive receipt of service-connected disability compensation was also determined to be proper.

The Board granted service connection for anxiety disorder and depression effective November 7, 2001. The veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism has been granted an increased rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the July 2001 RO decision.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for depression, but further development was required as there is no competent evidence showing current diagnosis or a link between the veteran's depression and his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder with complex migraine, as secondary to her service-connected major depressive disorder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further action by the RO, including determining his preference for a hearing and clarifying which issues he wishes to pursue.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for diabetes mellitus from 60% to 20%, effective July 1, 2000, was proper. The veteran's major depression is rated at 30%. An effective date of July 9, 1992, for total disability based on individual unemployability and an effective date of October 14, 1999, for Chapter 35 benefits have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including major depression and related conditions such as anxiety disorder and personality disorder, finding that the veteran's current disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and a rating of 50 percent for hemiplegic migraines with transient hemiparesis and impairment of vision and speech. The veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety as a residual of a SAH does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's depression has been rated at 30 percent from December 20, 1999 to September 9, 2002 and at 70 percent beginning on September 10, 2002. The decision is mixed as both the lower and higher ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and anxiety is January 20, 2002.

The RO denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes, citing issues with obtaining all necessary medical records and conducting examinations to assess his disabilities.

The veteran's anxiety/depression is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 70 percent, while his cervical spine disability and low back strain are each rated at 20 percent. The bilateral knee strain and irritable bowel syndrome do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.