Depression decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development and to schedule the appellant for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing a supplemental statement of the case and scheduling an examination to address the appellant's claims related to his ACDUTRA period.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of hypertension and service connection for depression and sleep apnea, both secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to a lack of timely filing of his Substantive Appeal. The case is now remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for Hepatitis C with chronic liver disease, and major depressive disorder. The decision found no evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Board found that the veteran's depressive disorder warranted a 10 percent rating since March 15, 2004. The disability was productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative right cubital tunnel syndrome repair warrants a 10 percent disability evaluation, as it does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. The major depressive disorder with obsessive-compulsive disorder issue is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA clinical records and Vocational Rehabilitation records, including MRI examination reports. The case will be reviewed again after these records are obtained.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder with depression is being remanded due to the receipt of additional evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders did not develop in service and are unrelated to his period of service or any incident therein. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are productive of total social and industrial inadaptability due to serious symptoms such as hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and impaired judgment. The criteria for a 100 percent disability rating have been met.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, it was determined that new evidence did not establish a direct link to service or any other basis for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected right peroneal neuropathy and any left knee condition. The claims for depression secondary to prostate cancer and for a left knee disability are also pending.

The veteran's major depressive disorder was previously rated at 50 percent prior to August 29, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Reed and Letterman Army Medical Center.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his secondary service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its secondary effects (impotence, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia) are also granted. The toe amputation claim is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability and service connection for a psychiatric disability. The right knee disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, while no psychiatric disability has been found to be related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration and needs further development.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his PTSD, but the RO has not received all necessary medical records and needs to obtain them before making a decision.