Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for HIV-related illness and depression due to HIV-related illness were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 7, 1989 for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected depression.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for thoracic spine arthritis and granted it effective from August 23, 1999.,Service connection was established for a depressive disorder with an initial rating of 30 percent and effective date of August 23, 1999.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, finding no current diagnosis of chronic or recurrent major depression and thus no basis for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (asthma and depression) are of such severity as to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, major depression, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The veteran's major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder have been found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran withdrew their appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for major depression with psychotic features, which was previously denied in June 1998.

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with a 10% evaluation. The claim of depression was reopened due to new evidence received since the June 1995 rating decision.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, which was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and depression, finding that neither condition is related to his period of active military service or to his service-connected left humerus disability.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent for dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, effective from May 29, 1996.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and major depression, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The left and right knee conditions are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher rating possible based on current evidence of record. Service connection for a depressive disorder with anxiety was also denied as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's schizophrenia and major depression were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service. The preexisting conditions did not show an increase in severity during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions, finding that the appellant's period of active duty was discharged under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct. The Board also found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his cervical spine disability, an increased evaluation for his migraine headaches, and service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected residuals of head injury. The claim for service connection for a left eye disorder was not addressed due to lack of evidence.