Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review. The issue remains whether his current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since the last examination, leading to a higher rating of 50 percent effective February 4, 2008. The Veteran also has been diagnosed with mild major depressive disorder secondary to his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than a schizophrenic disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a medical link between any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The issue is now remanded for further development.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and additional information needed.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV and therefore denied service connection for PTSD. The claim for service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorder is also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since September 19, 2002. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for depression was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, impotence, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, and depression have all been denied as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange in Panama.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depression, is determined to be related to his service. Service connection for a psychiatric disability has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and Xanax abuse (70%), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (30%), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (10%), and status post laparoscopy including scars (10%), render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO/AMC for de novo adjudication of the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, for the purpose of accrued benefits. The appellant and her representative will be provided a supplemental statement of the case if their appeal is not granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and memory impairment have been granted service connection.

The appellant is not entitled to attorney fees from any award to the service member due to lack of a final Board decision on the issue involved.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA disability determination information. The Veteran will be provided a psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and depression. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or association with military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder. The decision is based on a finding that his PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder including posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.