Depression Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of major depression, finding no legal basis to assign such a date.

The veteran's major depressive disorder and migraine headaches are not service-connected as they do not have a direct link to her military service. The Board found that these conditions were known clinical diagnoses that did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and she is entitled to compensation for her automobile accident injuries under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found the veteran not in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly pension based on these grounds.

The Board found that the veteran's service medical records documented symptoms of depression, and post-service clinical records reflected a history of continuity of major depression symptomatology. The Board granted service connection for recurrent major depression.

The Board has determined that an effective date of November 14, 1990 is warranted for the award of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability including dysthymia, major depression, somatoform pain disorder and conversion disorder as not well grounded. The evidence did not show a link between his military service and these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right above the knee amputation and left foot drop, meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations. The veteran also meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing a specially adapted automobile or automobile adaptive equipment.

The VA denied increased ratings for service-connected low back injury and depressive disorder, with the maximum rating of 60 percent assigned for each condition.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors supporting the veteran's assertions that his major depression and PTSD had their clinical onset during military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation benefits related to his claimed conditions, including tinnitus, bilateral ptosis with conjunctivitis, headaches, and nervous disorders. The decision also addressed a claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his right arm and leg weakness are both rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings have been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction with depression and PTSD, finding that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 30 percent disability rating.

The veteran's suicide attempt in April 1999 was not covered by VA because prior authorization for the private medical treatment was not obtained. The Board found that no such authorization existed and thus denied payment or reimbursement of the unauthorized expenses.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, postoperative residuals from hemorrhoidectomy, and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms (including bloody stools) due to an undiagnosed illness resulting from Persian Gulf service. Service connection was not established for neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular rating for these disabilities under the old criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric condition was not caused or worsened by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current depression to his service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is service-connected, but hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy are not addressed in the decision. The cause of death (cerebrovascular accident) is attributed to these conditions.