Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims file. This includes obtaining specific information regarding his reported in-service stressor events, corroborating these events, scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disorder, and readjudicating his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD, but denied reopening of his claim for hepatitis C. The new evidence received since the prior denial shows treatment for a cognitive disorder including depression, anxiety, and PTSD-like symptoms, as well as receipt of the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).

The Veteran's left ankle fracture and PTSD with major depression are currently rated at the maximum available ratings, and no higher evaluations are warranted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and hallucinations with deficits in memory and concentration. The Board finds that the criteria for a 100 percent initial disability rating are met due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, determining whether the Veteran engaged in combat during service, and attempting to corroborate the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has vacated the July 2007 decision denying service connection for depression secondary to service-connected dermatitis due to a missing VA staff psychiatrist's statement. The case is now remanded for further review of whether any current psychiatric disorder is related to the Veteran's service-connected skin disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and a malignant tumor. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of his claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and timing of any pre-service or in-service psychiatric issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, a disability manifested by swollen testicles, and angioedema as secondary to Agent Orange exposure were denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during service or within the presumptive period following service.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to their impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of an in-service stressor.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, delusional behavior, and PTSD. The evidence did not establish a link between the current disorders and service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to his failure to respond to requests for stressor information. The Board granted service connection for depression, finding that the disability had its onset during service and is related to it.

The Board found that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, and depression did not manifest during service or are not related to his service-connected chronic lumbar strain. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is directly related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Board found that the appellant does not have degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine or intervertebral disc syndrome that is related to military service, and his depression disability was not caused by a service-connected condition. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleeplessness and depression were denied as there was no evidence to support the assertions without a current VA examination, which the Veteran failed to attend.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from February 28, 2002. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability.