Depression decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, glaucoma, lumbar degenerative joint disease, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and chest pain due to a sternum injury as chronic disabilities resulting from an undiagnosed illness. The claims were remanded on the theory of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including psychotic symptoms, schizotypal personality, depressive reaction, and major depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also found that it is not proximately due to, or the result from, his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is found to be incurred in service. The Board also finds that the Veteran's other acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders (anxiety and depression) were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for chest pain, bilateral hip disorder, and PTSD were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Veteran was diagnosed with depression in March 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 24, 2007. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current mental health conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran does not have hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), bronchitis, or arthritis of the legs, shoulders, or back that was caused or aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis or a link to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his experiences in service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and dismissed the appeal seeking service connection for depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and clarify whether he still desires a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and left knee patella tendonitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and depression were not incurred or aggravated by his active military service, as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to his personal history of substance abuse and personality disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, and depression) are rated at 30 percent combined. The evidence does not show that these conditions preclude him from participating in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen his claims. The decision also noted that the Veteran was receiving Social Security disability benefits and requested that VA obtain relevant records from this agency.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further examination and evaluation before a decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left knee disability as secondary to right knee disability, sleep disorder, depression, and low back disability. The appellant's active duty status is unclear and needs further verification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a herniated disc laminectomy and major depressive disorder, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.