Depression decisions — 2009

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are related to her military service. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted with appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his low back disability was denied. His claim for service connection for depression, which is secondary to his low back disability, was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including verification of current depression severity and a re-examination under 38 C.F.R. § 3.327(a).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The evidence shows that the Veteran had depression during service and continues to suffer from it post-service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board has ordered that the Veteran should be provided an additional VA psychiatric examination to determine if her diagnosed psychiatric disorders are at least as likely as not related to service. The case is REMANDED for this purpose.

The Board denied reimbursement for unauthorized home improvement and structural alterations due to lack of prior authorization, despite the Veteran's established entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a new examination by a different provider.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and a psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder), finding no evidence of such conditions during or related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to have been aggravated by service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Veteran is also granted nonservice-connected pension due to his other disabilities.

The Veteran's depression was not found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected disability. His tinnitus and hearing loss were also denied increased ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected fractured left femoral neck (hip) is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. The Veteran also meets criteria for special monthly compensation based on need of aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and private psychologist's records, as well as to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in deciding the Veteran's claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case will be remanded to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his active service.

The Veteran experienced multiple complications following his VA surgery, including infections and other health issues. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these complications were caused by carelessness or negligence on VA's part.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and finds that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is causally related to an injury sustained during active service. The claim for depression, secondary to a service-connected disability, remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), finding no evidence of these conditions in service or linking them to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his claims, including potential service connection for PTSD and a lung disorder secondary to PTSD.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a heart disorder and denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including depression and panic disorder. The Board also denied service connection for alcoholism as not related to military service.