Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation, effective August 1, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression warrants a 30 percent evaluation since November 13, 1991. The evaluation was increased to 30 percent in July 1999.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her psychiatric disorder, specifically major depression with psychotic features and mixed bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's anxiety reaction with depression, effective from November 7, 1996. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus is not well grounded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issues of increased rating for major depression with PTSD and a total rating based on individual unemployability are pending.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by depression, anxiety, increased startle response, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, memory loss, and feeling detached and estranged from others. All contacts, except the most intimate, are so adversely affected as to result in virtual isolation in the community.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, classified as psychosis or major depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have granted them. The conditions include a right shoulder disorder, left ankle disorder, chronic strain of the right ankle, schizotypal personality disorder, psychiatric disorders (including depression and anxiety), and sleep disorder.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of a left hip disorder in postoperative status and found that the veteran's claim for service connection of major depression is not well grounded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression, as well as drug addiction, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and verify alleged stressors supporting PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar affective disorder/depression is not well grounded and denied both his claims for service connection and increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, inclusive of PTSD, and for a low back disorder. The remaining claims requesting higher ratings for tension headaches and residuals of the fracture of the 5th metacarpal of his right hand were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of injuries to his right little and ring fingers, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for a noncompensable rating for residuals of laceration to the right little finger was granted with an effective date of August 29, 1974.

The Board found that the appellant's gastrointestinal symptoms are attributable to known clinical diagnoses and not due to an undiagnosed illness. The claims for skin disorder, eye disability, chronic bacterial infection, sleep impairment, concentration difficulty, memory impairment, anxiety, depression, and dysthymia were also denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder due to a finding that the condition existed prior to his period of active service and was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and left shoulder disorder, but granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and depressive disorder. The veteran's attorney was paid fees based on past-due benefits awarded due to the grant of service connection for left cervical radiculopathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia and major depression. The RO was instructed to formally adjudicate this issue again.

The veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression have rendered him unable to obtain or retain employment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression and anxiety are related to his 1991 VA surgery for ASD, granting compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151. The claims for drug-induced lupus and impotence are denied as not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed an acquired psychiatric disorder during service and granted service connection for this condition.