Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, is granted. From August 21, 2006, the Veteran's peptic ulcer disease is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression. The issue of TDIU is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board determined that the Veteran's major depression with psychotic features does not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 50 percent.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depression. The Board has remanded the case due to difficulties in obtaining his service personnel records from his first period of Army service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's depression is a current disability and established service connection based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of his experiences during military service, including exposure to gunfire and cannon rounds. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's request for motor vehicle and photography equipment under the Independent Living Program was denied as it does not qualify as special equipment or meet eligibility criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with the effective date set at May 11, 2006. The earlier effective date claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (claimed as depression) were denied because the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and developing his claim of service connection for PTSD in accordance with special alternative evidentiary procedures associated with personal assault claims. A VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to assess the etiology and/or onset of any psychiatric disability found to be present.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for right shoulder bursitis was withdrawn. The Board granted an initial evaluation of 100 percent for service-connected PTSD, finding that his symptoms approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence showing a causal relationship between his diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a PTSD claim remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, and dysthymic disorder. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other diagnosed psychiatric condition as being related to service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10% prior to December 31, 2007. After this date, the rating for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 2007. The rating for Hepatitis C has been increased to 20 percent, also effective October 2007. The right knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and occasional anger. The disability did not affect his personal relationships or employment to the extent that they resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Service connection was also granted for angina.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for diabetes mellitus and major depressive disorder have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on current medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression, finding that the Veteran's current depression is not related to his military service.