Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression, secondary to his service-connected low back strain with limitation of motion, finding that the claim was not well grounded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including skin disease on the back, scalp, and shoulders; sleep disorder, nervous condition, and depression; acute abdominal pain; prostate disorder; and numbness of arms and fingers. The claims were not well-grounded due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical examinations and addressing the SSA's decision on total disability.

The veteran's compensation benefits are properly apportioned for his two minor children, as he is not reasonably discharging his responsibility to support them.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected major depression, currently rated at 50 percent.

The veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for his psychiatric disorder, which is secondary to hearing loss and tinnitus, was granted. The case also addressed the issue of TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim of a higher rating for her service-connected major depression was granted, with the current rating of 70% being maintained.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a depressive disorder as secondary to her service-connected skin disability (vitiligo) is not well grounded due to lack of evidence of current depression.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent for the period from May 18, 1995 to December 31, 1997 and at 40 percent for the period from January 1, 1998 forward. His major depression is rated at 100 percent.

The Board has found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression, are related to his military service. The claim is granted.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder as secondary to the coronary artery disease, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence. The veteran's heart attack during active duty training was not considered service-connected.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes as his combined schedular evaluation is less than 100 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. The claim for depression was reopened but not granted as well-grounded. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a statement of the case regarding the denial of service connection for PTSD. The veteran is entitled to a statement of the case and further development.

The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities has been established, resulting in the grant of special monthly pension based on this need.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim is well grounded and VA has a duty to assist in its development. The appellant presented medical evidence linking his current disabilities, including bronchiectasis, to his service-connected pneumonia.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected depression with post-traumatic symptoms has been granted, and she is now rated at 50 percent effective from March 1, 1997.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to her service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes due to her nonservice-connected disabilities, as they do not prevent her from maintaining substantially gainful employment.