Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board finds that it is as likely as not the Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is related to his active service. Service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and need for a medical opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his military service.

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

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and insomnia were denied as there is no competent evidence showing a current diagnosis of PTSD or linking the conditions to service. The claims for hip disorders were also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's medical records and provide him with proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a recurrent right inguinal hernia and major depression were denied by the Board. The Veteran's right inguinal hernia was rated at 10 percent, while his major depression was rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder due to lack of in-service trauma. Service connection was also denied for depression.

The Board has remanded the case due to various issues, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) and hepatitis C is being considered.

The Veteran's only service-connected disability is PTSD with depression, alcohol abuse, panic disorder, and anxiety. The VA determined that the Veteran does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his ability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for her service-connected dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder was denied. The current evaluation is 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and somatoform disorder, are related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is manifested by severe symptoms, including depression, nervous mannerisms, panic attacks, and impaired concentration. The VA has granted a 50 percent evaluation for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including social phobia, anxiety disorder, and depression, did not have onset in service. The Board also noted that there was no reliable evidence to show these conditions were first manifest many years after discharge from active duty.