Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claims for major depression and anxiety, PTSD, and low back condition are denied as they do not meet the criteria for well-groundedness. The claim for arthritis of the left foot and ankle is also denied.,PTSD was supported by medical evidence linking it to service-related stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression warrants a rating of 100 percent, effective from when his disability was first service-connected.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking any current psychiatric disability to the appellant's military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is manifested by chronic and severe depression, sleep disturbances, persistent suicidal ideation, isolation, impaired judgment and concentration, difficulty with family relationships, and generalized paranoia of co-workers. The evidence does not show that the veteran is demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder is well-grounded and grants this claim.

The Board found that the veteran's depressive disorder and dysthymia, with nocturnal enuresis existed prior to service. However, there was no evidence of worsening during active duty.,There is insufficient medical evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that an increased evaluation of 40 percent disabling is warranted for lumbar disc disease due to severe limitation of motion, but not for intervertebral disc syndrome or lumbosacral strain. Service connection for bipolar disorder with depression was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural errors and need for clarification of diagnoses.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, but denied an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective May 1, 1998. The Board found that the old rating schedule was more favorable and granted a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded and have therefore been denied.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a clarifying medical opinion regarding when the veteran required aid and attendance, as well as to review the record for compliance with previous remands. The effective date of the special monthly compensation benefits based on need for aid and attendance is set at March 11, 1997.

The veteran's service-connected mental disability (depression, agoraphobia, and panic disorder) is so severe that it impairs her ability to live independently without assistance, prevents her from caring for her daily personal needs, and renders her unable to protect herself from the hazards of daily living. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claimed disabilities, including depression, dysthymia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypertension, and low back strain, are not service-connected. The RO found that these conditions are secondary to his alcohol dependence and marijuana abuse.

The Board denied the application to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders, including major depression and intermittent explosive disorder, are denied as her conditions have not been linked to her military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed undiagnosed illnesses are not related to service and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current anxiety disorder with depression had its origin during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Peter's Hospital from April 8, 1998 to April 14, 1998 are now covered by VA due to the nature of his hospitalization being an emergency and he having a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to his service in Saudi Arabia, and thus grants service connection for this condition.