Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for anxiety with depression is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for Social Security Administration records that may support the veteran's claim of depression secondary to a service-connected back disability.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disability, including panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, was incurred during her active military service.

The Board has found that a remand is required to ensure all required evidence is obtained and associated with the claims folder, including service medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and anxiety as secondary to his service-connected Crohn's disease, a rating in excess of 30 percent for Crohn's disease, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran has presented evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for headaches, but denied claims for joint pain, memory loss, right-sided numbness, hoarseness, confusion, and anxiety/depression due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected major affective disorder (depression) warrants a 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder with paranoid features, had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's alcohol and substance abuse is considered willful misconduct, preventing him from receiving pension benefits. His psychiatric disability, including organic brain disorder, does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating due to its severity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of secondary service connection for psychiatric disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected low back disability or hemorrhoids.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current depressive or bipolar disorder and any in-service disease or injury. The claim for service connection was denied as well-grounded claims have not been presented.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The denial of PTSD is based on lack of verified stressors, while the total disability claim is pending as there are no assigned ratings yet.

The veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of nonservice-connected disability pension benefits was denied because it was not filed within the 180-day statutory limit.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized as Major Depression with psychotic features, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that a 100 percent rating is warranted under the old rating criteria.

The Board found no evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for bronchial asthma, chronic rhinitis, or major depression with psychotic features due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that they are not well grounded and thus do not meet the criteria for compensation under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the claim is well-grounded and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted.

The veteran's recurrent major depression with agitation and psychotic features is rated at 100 percent, which effectively grants his claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for service connection of muscle strain of the left trapezius was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for major depression was granted at a 30% disability rate. The decision is mixed as it partially grants one issue (increased rating) while denying another (service connection).