Depression decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The issue of chronic fatigue syndrome was also addressed but a statement of the case has not yet been issued.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed major depressive disorder with panic disorder and anxiety did not have its onset in service or is related to exposure to DDT in service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for moderate disability. The symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his psychiatric disorder, which began in service and was aggravated by service, contributed to his suicide.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD or major depression or anxiety disorder other than PTSD related to his military service and denied both claims.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for depression and a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions in service or any link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. Service connection for depression, CAD, and hypertension secondary to PTSD are not granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including whether a pre-existing condition was aggravated by service. The Veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, as well as headaches, are being remanded to allow for further development of the record.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a nervous disorder. The Board finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses of depressive and psychotic disorders but no diagnosis of a nervous disorder. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression with psychosis, was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 21, 2006 for the award of service connection for various disabilities was denied as there is no evidence that a formal application was received within one year of his informal claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at her local RO.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder have been granted. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security records and VA examinations.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including clarification of prior service and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, as he had been rated totally disabled for less than ten years prior to his death. The Board found that the cause of death (depression) was not related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disease, upper back, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated in service. The acquired psychiatric condition (to include depression with panic attacks) is also denied.