Depression decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric conditions did not cause or contribute to his death from lung cancer. The decision was based on the fact that the Veteran had a long history of smoking, which was considered the primary cause of his small cell lung cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

Service connection for a psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) was granted in a June 2010 rating decision, rendering the issue moot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly multiple sclerosis and associated weakness of the right upper extremity and left and right lower extremity, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Veteran has permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss or use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records, confirm the Veteran's reported stressors, and provide an opinion regarding whether his psychiatric disorders are related to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying her periods of active duty. The claims for depression, diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition to account for right ankle pain, and degenerative arthritis of the right foot are also being referred for further review.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for psychiatric disability. However, there is no credible basis to find that the Veteran incurred a psychiatric disorder in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and review of Social Security records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lung and heart disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating for his low back condition is granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. The claims for PTSD and right knee disability are denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to his experiences during military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new regulations regarding PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since December 12, 2006. The Board found that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted for the period after December 12, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of his claimed conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and a psychotic disorder. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from June 1999 to September 1999, scheduling a VA examination to assess the etiology of any psychiatric condition present, and scheduling another VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to obtain and maintain employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including major depression with psychotic features and anxiety disorder, are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and OCD with depression and anxiety were rated at 30 percent prior to July 18, 2006, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted. Since July 18, 2006, the disability has been rated as 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's combat experience in Iraq supports his claim of having experienced a stressor related to this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for depression. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, it is now established that his depression was incurred during active duty service.