Depression decisions — 2008

The July 1999 rating decision denied the veteran's claim of service connection for depression, finding that there was no evidence of the claimed disability in service or within one year after discharge.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, but found that no earlier date could be assigned due to lack of evidence prior to September 6, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an increased rating for his gastrointestinal disorder. The issues remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's accounts of sexual harassment in service are credible and sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD, leading to the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and review. The hepatitis C claim is also being remanded as VA must obtain a medical opinion or provide an examination to properly adjudicate this issue.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder to include anxiety, residuals of rubella, right ankle disability, and left shoulder disability were all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,VA did not provide a VA examination in response to the veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The veteran's service-connected asbestosis is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, and the Board grants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to his service-connected GERD.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and opinions regarding the relationship between his current mental health problems and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum from a VA orthopedic examiner and a neuropsychiatric examination. The AMC/RO must also verify the veteran's service records, obtain SSA records if applicable, and determine if a VA social and industrial survey is warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and service personnel records.

The Board found that the veteran's depression does not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his request for an increased evaluation. The current disability rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records and lack of development regarding specific incidents.

The veteran's claim for service connection for major depression and eligibility for VA dental treatment was denied. The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation services due to employment handicap was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted, but he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his other service-connected disabilities and employment status.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection for a laminectomy of L4-5 and L5-S1, as well as chronic depression secondary to his right knee disability. The claim for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella and degenerative joint disease of the right knee was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice regarding service connection for PTSD based on personal assault and new and material evidence requirements.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine whether the veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety/panic disorder and PTSD, and if so, whether it is related to service. The RO must also attempt to verify any in-service stressor events.