Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected mood disorder with major depressive symptoms is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 17, 1996 for a 100% rating for bipolar disorder with major depression. The RO found that there was no evidence within one year prior to December 1996 on which it could be factually ascertained that the veteran was entitled to such a rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a permanent total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD and major depression, finding that the evidence does not show that the disability is reasonably certain to continue throughout his lifetime.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes due to his unemployability caused by various disabilities, including right nephrectomy secondary to malignancy, depression, hypertension, and post-operative conditions from leg fractures and orchitis.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim, but did not address service connection or assign a rating.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during service or within the one-year presumptive period after separation, and concluded that the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service.

The veteran's major depression is rated at 70 percent, effective July 1, 1992. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of depression, special monthly compensation on account of need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, and a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the denial of earlier effective dates for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is not service-connected, but his neuropsychiatric disorder and low back disorder are. The claim for an increased rating for the fracture of the left ankle remains unresolved.

The veteran's recurrent major depression, characterized by poor judgment and insight, pervasive difficulties with social interaction, periods of significant depression, and inability to maintain employment, is rated at 70 percent disabling for pension purposes.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder warrants a 30 percent disability rating, which is the current evaluation for this condition.

The Board granted TDIU based on service-connected Major Depression, finding the veteran was totally disabled solely due to his depression.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and depression. The evidence does not support these claims as they are determined to be unrelated to active military service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not warrant a grant of service connection for depression prior to October 30, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical records and examinations, as well as compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disability did not develop during service or within one year of discharge, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his anxiety with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence, including clinical records from Dr. Patel.

The Board has confirmed the assignment of an effective date of September 28, 1990 for a 100% rating for schizophrenia with tension headaches and periodic depression. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms are consistent with PTSD and can be related to a condition that began while he was on active duty. The RO will further develop the record and consider the issue of the appropriate rating for the veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depressive disorder does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent, as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.