Depression decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is not service-connected, as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor. The veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is also denied as it is not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's initial evaluation for depression was granted at a 30 percent rating from November 27, 2002 through October 15, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety did not manifest during service and has not been shown to be causally related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's symptoms warrant a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with depression, which is higher than the current 50 percent assigned.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for intervertebral disc syndrome, L4-S1 and has determined that the veteran is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the appellant's psychiatric or cognitive disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, are related to her in-service sexual assault and is granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he failed without good cause to report for a necessary examination and that there was no evidence of unemployability as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the veteran did not provide credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus denied service connection. The claim for depression was remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is a result of an anaphylactic reaction to vancomycin administered by VA, which caused additional disability. The claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his PTSD with major depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted a higher disability rating of 100 percent for the veteran's PTSD, effective February 27, 2004. The decision is based on total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarification on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service, including treatment for colon cancer in 1968.

The Board found that the veteran's myopia preexisted service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection. The depression claim was also denied as it is not attributable to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying stressor events.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, depression, and PTSD due to a lack of competent medical evidence associating these conditions with his military service. The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy, which means his stressors must be corroborated by other sources.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric and spine disorders to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hypertension, hiatal hernia with reflux, and major depression are all service-connected. The effective date for these determinations is not specified in the decision.

The Board has determined that further development is required for the veteran's claims, including additional examinations and obtaining relevant medical records. The case will be remanded to the RO for these actions.