Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent for the veteran's psychiatric disability, effective from June 19, 2002. The earlier effective date and unemployability claims are also addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depression, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's TDIU was granted effective from June 7, 2000. The RO found that the veteran had been marginally employed due to his service-connected disabilities since January 1, 2000.

The veteran's PTSD and associated major depressive disorder have been rated at a 70 percent level, effective from the date service connection was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the left ankle, and arthritis of the right ankle. The veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are considered to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to assess his low back disability, loss of use of a creative organ, dental condition, and service-connected depression. The RO will then re-adjudicate these issues.

The veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically major depression and bipolar disorder, was productive of occupational and social impairment prior to March 23, 2000. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 70 percent.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied due to the combined rating of his nonservice-connected disabilities not meeting the threshold for a total disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher disability evaluation, finding that no new or material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied service connection claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased rating for paranoid schizophrenia, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depression with a history of major depressive episodes and schizophrenic reaction, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression and anxiety disorder are etiologically related to his period of active military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and residuals of chemical burns to the skin, finding no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headache disability is a residual of an inservice injury and grants service connection for headaches. The depression claim is denied as there is no evidence to support a diagnosis or etiology related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder related to her active duty.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 100% evaluation of Meniere's Disease and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. 1114(s) were denied as there was no evidence showing an increase in disability prior to the date of receipt of his claims, and he did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation at that time.

The veteran's psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depression, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's TDIU benefits were granted effective from August 1995, and the Board found that this was the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that entitlement to these benefits arose.

The Board denied service connection for atypical depression, arthritis of the right shoulder, and hyperlipidemia as they were not incurred or aggravated during the veteran's active duty.