Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50% from October 21, 2003 to August 14, 2007 and at 30% since then. The Veteran's degenerative changes with herniation at L1-2 and mild spondylosis at the thoracolumbar junction were rated at 20% from October 21, 2003 to August 14, 2007 and at 10% since then. The Veteran's degenerative changes of the right knee with history of chondromalacia and prepatellar bursitis were rated at 10%.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current anxiety and depression to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, and hearing loss of the left ear are being remanded due to incomplete evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his claim for an increased rating to 70 percent has been granted. His PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including depression and a 'mental condition', degenerative disc disease, hearing loss, hepatitis C, and tinnitus. The effective date for any future grant of these claims would be determined based on new evidence presented.

The Board has remanded the case due to recent legal precedent requiring consideration of all psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disorder, to include PTSD, will be reconsidered.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for phobias, depression, and PTSD due to new evidence. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to a claimed in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's pes planus, back disorder, major depression, hearing loss, and tinnitus were not found to be service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder and denied her claim for service connection. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination regarding whether her pre-existing lumbar spine condition was aggravated during active duty.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for higher initial ratings for his depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service records and verifying National Guard and Reserve service. The Veteran's claim will be adjudicated again after this additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are consistent with his military service experiences. Service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure was not established.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for cause of death due to Hepatitis C and Major Depression, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the underlying claim.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder based on new evidence received since May 2003. The claim for hypertension remains denied as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional STRs and VA records, as well as SSA disability determination records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, a chronic right shoulder disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (claimed as a back condition), and PTSD or depression, are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired mental disorder is not related to his active service or a service-connected disability, and denied his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service and denied his claim.