Depression decisions — 2009

The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current mental condition is related to his in-service depression and anxiety. The issue of PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with insomnia and PTSD were both found to have significant impairment, warranting increased ratings. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his PTSD from July 1, 2007.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depression is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment.,SMC based on deafness of both ears was granted effective from September 24, 2008.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features are service-connected based on evidence showing they were incurred during active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder or memory loss, and thus denied service connection for these conditions on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is granted as his service-connected depression has been rated at 100% since October 24, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain information regarding the appellant's claimed stressors and determine if service connection is warranted for PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's conjunctivitis, left eye, is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The Board has granted service connection for his generalized anxiety disorder with depression as incurred during active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew her claim for entitlement to service connection for muscle spasms of the bilateral legs during her Board hearing. The remaining issues are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining service treatment records and SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring that all relevant evidence is considered in deciding the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not currently have PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression. The VA examinations and clinical records do not support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies between the Veteran's reported stressors and those corroborated by service records, requiring a new VA mental health examination.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for dysthymia and depression effective August 9, 2007. The Veteran's conditions are secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C and dysthymic disorder (now evaluated as major depressive disorder), prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 28, 2006. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and major depression with psychotic features, had its onset during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.