Depression decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective from November 14, 2005. The Board also granted TDIU based on the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records from 1992 to 2005.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for post-concussion syndrome and cognitive disorder, NOS with depression was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's disabilities are therefore maintained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her incapable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims file and verification of stressor events.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depression, panic disorder, and PTSD, is manifested by suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, depression, panic attacks, memory impairment, difficulty adapting to work settings, social isolation, and hypervigilance. The Board has determined that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying stressor events. A PTSD/mental disorders examination will also be conducted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression. The new evidence submitted by private physicians suggests that her current disability may have initially manifested during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including verifying a claimed stressor and obtaining VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back degenerative disc disease and secondary service connection for his depression, both of which are related to his in-service low back injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and VA examinations to determine the presence and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and a psychosis to include schizoaffective disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the depression claim. The psychosis claim was also denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has determined that attorney fees from past due benefits calculated in the amount of $6,444.02 for the period from June 1, 2005 to July 21, 2006 based on the July 21, 2006 rating decision were correctly calculated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration and VA treatment records.

The case is being remanded to obtain missing VA outpatient treatment records and to provide an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals are related to his period of active service and is granting service connection for this condition. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and to determine if he has depression or any other acquired psychiatric condition beyond PTSD, and whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted based on a diagnosis of PTSD related to verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.