Depression Board decisions

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for depression, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking current depression to his period of active service or to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's depressive disorder was seriously disabling for the period November 15, 1993, to September 18, 1995, and from November 1, 1995, preventing her from working and interacting socially. The VA determined that a 100 percent schedular evaluation is warranted for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptations benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and a conversion reaction, with depression due to lack of evidence establishing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for dysthymic disorder is granted, with a current disability rating of 10 percent. The case was remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for service connection for depression and a nervous disorder, claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness, is not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits because he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his disabilities. The evidence showed that the veteran is able to perform self-care activities, walk with a cane, drive an automobile, and leave his home when necessary.

The veteran's PTSD with severe depression is rated at the highest possible schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The veteran's seizure disorder is due to disease or injury that was incurred in service. The Board finds the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder plausible and capable of substantiation, but cannot determine if his pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Board found that the claim of service connection for bipolar manic depression was not well-grounded due to a lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran claims service connection for PTSD, but the Board finds that development under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103 and possibly 38 U.S.C.A. § 5107 is required before a final decision on the merits can be made.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if his current rating accurately reflects his disability severity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depression, an adjustment disorder, and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for muscle spasm in the chest wall area, claimed as a heart disorder, is not well grounded. The claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for major depression was well-grounded and supported by evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for depression and PTSD, and the claim of a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes due to an ear problem. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records, request SSA records, schedule a VA audiometry examination, and readjudicate the case based on the 'average person' and 'unemployability' standards.

The Board found that there was no competent evidence linking the veteran's current depression to his service-connected migraine with history of idiopathic seizures. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical evidence linking her conditions to her military service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current depression and throat disorder to his service, including any psychiatric symptoms from 1978. The claim is denied.

The veteran's depression is attributable to her active military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's major depression/panic disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling, but he does not meet the percentage requirements for entitlement to pension under VA regulations. The Board finds that his disability does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.