Depression decisions — 2007

The VA denied a higher initial rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms reflect no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, including depression with panic attacks, was not incurred or aggravated in active military service and is not otherwise attributable to service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records, including service personnel records.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including depression and anxiety disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service. The diagnoses are related to his own willful misconduct with alcohol.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, depression with anxiety, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's service and any current PTSD, thus denying service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for a monthly rate of $2,193 effective April 25, 1995, for his service-connected PTSD with depression is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service medical records and scheduling a VA examination for PTSD. The veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and new and material evidence are also being addressed.

The veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is manifested by symptoms that include depression, anxiety, suspiciousness, alienation, varied affect, urgent speech, and sleep impairment, resulting in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain requires further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for the residuals of a left ankle injury or depression. The claim for hepatitis C was denied as well.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities (Major Depression and L-3 fracture residuals) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and private clinical records, providing notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3), and determining whether an examination is warranted to assess the appellant's psychiatric disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding her claimed cervical spine injury, migraine headaches, depression, and left side numbness and tingling. The Board will determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of her period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code (Montgomery GI Bill) beyond September 24, 2004 due to a lack of medical evidence showing that she was prevented from initiating or completing a program of education during the delimiting period.

The Board found that the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and some elements of PTSD, is related to his military service. The Board also granted a 40 percent rating for his right shoulder disability since October 12, 2006.

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the legal requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, finding that the veteran's symptoms first manifested during his active duty service.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and T/R are being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records from SSA and VA facilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional information about the veteran's claimed stressors and conducting a VA examination to determine if he has any current psychiatric disabilities related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.