Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his cervical spine, lumbar spine, depressive disorder and panic disorder, and cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further development and clarification of the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes with erectile dysfunction and his claimed depression. The case will be returned to the Board after the necessary actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information in previous examinations regarding whether the Veteran's mental disorders clearly and unmistakably pre-existed his service or were aggravated by it. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to address these issues.

Service connection for PTSD with major depression has been granted effective September 28, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, including mood disorder and depressive disorder, is attributable to service and grants this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder and denied his claim. The major depression claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms more nearly approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating from November 20, 2002 to February 14, 2005. The reduction in hearing loss rating was not proper and restoration of a 10 percent rating is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and medical records from Dr. Probst.

The Board has granted service connection for a seizure disorder and a psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's symptoms have been present since his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, SSA disability determination information, and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD or other psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to January 28, 2005 and at 70 percent from that date. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete records from his former employer (USPS) and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed depression is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depression and an increased rating for migraine headaches, as well as her TDIU claim. The AOJ is to obtain all relevant medical records, provide a VA examination to assess the nature and severity of her service-connected migraines, and consider whether she meets the criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's depression has been aggravated by his service-connected chronic fatigue with insomnia and complaints of memory loss, which worsened the depressive disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran to be examined in order to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service. The claim will be reconsidered based on the examination results.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg disability is not related to service, but his depression was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing VCAA notice regarding personal assault claims and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his behaviors in service are consistent with his claimed personal assaults and whether he has an acquired psychiatric disorder resulting from such.

The Board found that the appellant's current diagnosed depression was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.