Depression decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for depression. The case is being remanded for additional development and adjudication on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include depression, cervical spine strain, traumatic injury to the lumbosacral spine with strain, post-traumatic right supraorbital neuropathy, and visual field defect of the right eye with glaucoma, have been rated based on their individual effects. The combined rating is 80 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), low back disability, concussion, and depression. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran incurred a psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder) during her military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with depression is granted due to the positive medical opinion supporting a link between his diagnosed medical stressor and his diagnosed PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a depressive disorder, is related to his service and has been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including delusional disorder and depression, is related to his service due to a continuity of symptoms within one year of discharge. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including major depression, dysthymia, anxiety disorder, and conversion disorder, are causally related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's major depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. Additionally, the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with left fibrous pleurisy, and secondary respiratory conditions. Accrued benefits are granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. However, the case is remanded to obtain further information regarding the claimed stressors in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with major depression did not cause or contribute to his death, and there was no evidence linking coronary artery disease to active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and recurrent major depressive disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to unclear diagnoses and the need for further development, including verification of stressors and examination by a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder with depression, and panic attacks, is being remanded due to inadequate development of the facts.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, back disability, major depressive disorder, lipoma of the neck and shoulder, and respiratory disorder (emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) have been denied as there is no verified in-service stressor, no current diagnosis or link to service, and no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that the requirements for duty to assist have not been met and has ordered additional development of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pituitary brain tumor with depression and a seizure disorder have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The evidence submitted does not provide credible medical evidence linking these conditions to her active military service.