Depression decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU based on his service-connected posttraumatic cranial depression, duodenal ulcer, and facial scars. The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 8100, but do not meet criteria for a higher rating due to their frequency and severity. His duodenal ulcer is resolved and does not cause additional disability. The scars are considered non-disabling.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his claim for service connection of hepatitis C secondary to PTSD has been granted. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that her depression is not separate from her PTSD. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there is a need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations before deciding the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression should be remanded due to a need for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, or tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors leading to PTSD, nor is there credible supporting evidence linking current symptoms to service. For tinnitus, while the appellant reported hearing damage from service, no direct link was established between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and schedule a VA examination. The TDIU claim will also be remanded due to its dependency on the increased rating claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of service dates and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and the need for further development of the record.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder due to unverified in-service stressors. The case is REMANDED to obtain verification of the Veteran's reported stressors and any other relevant records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and providing a supplemental statement of the case if benefits are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression are not supported by the evidence of record. The Board finds that there is no current diagnosis or competent medical nexus linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder and a major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are caused or aggravated by the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disorder, to include depression and PTSD due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA medical records, clarifying the Veteran's reported stressors, and scheduling a new psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD and major depressive disorder are service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and personality disorder, is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The case will be reviewed again with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for an anxiety disorder or depression. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.