Depression decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a service-connected psychiatric disability, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the November 2000 rating decision that assigned a 30 percent disability rating for service-connected depression neurosis, and denied the claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, and dementia, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since March 6, 2006. The rating is based on the current symptoms and impairment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD and secondary depression are related to his service, specifically his combat experience in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service. Service connection for schizophrenia, paranoid type, is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, is denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and the diagnoses are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been essentially productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that a program of independent living services, including bathroom remodeling, is not necessary for the appellant's independence in daily living.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment of major depression and suicidal ideation on October 15, 2004 at Wuesthoff were reimbursed as the condition was such that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention to be hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's PTSD, evaluated as 50 percent disabling prior to September 14, 2007, is shown to be productive of symptoms that included anxiousness, depression, moderate sleep disturbance, and isolating behavior. However, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted based on the evidence showing a link between his in-service stressors and current symptoms.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including major depression with mood disorder, PTSD, and an anxiety disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found that there is new and material evidence to support it. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, may also be considered as part of this reopened claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was granted, with the effective date set at October 12, 1993. The decision is based on VA treatment records from that date indicating the Veteran's unemployability due to psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as there is no evidence to suggest that he suffers from a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD that is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal for additional vocational rehabilitation training benefits has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a psychiatric disorder, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, in service. The weight of the evidence does not support a finding that his current psychiatric condition is related to his active military service.