Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a psychiatric examination, and rescheduling the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is credible evidence to corroborate the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors and a relationship between his current PTSD and his time in active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depressive disorder, has been rated at 30 percent since February 27, 2006. The Board found that the symptoms have primarily manifested by depressive symptoms, irritability, and sleep disturbance, without occupational or social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a TDIU examination and an attempt to submit a formal claim for TDIU. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, must be remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development regarding his claimed stressors and whether he has any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, dysthymic disorder, and PTSD, clearly existed prior to service. However, there is credible evidence suggesting that these conditions may have been aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration under the amended regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and her currently diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder and depression are not related to symptoms she experienced during service.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD related to service or any incident therein, and the Veteran's major depression was not incurred in, or aggravated by, active military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 30, 2001 for service connection for Major Depression associated with Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine. The Veteran's claim was received on December 20, 1991 and entitlement arose on February 12, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of her psychiatric disorder, seizures, stress headaches, and dizziness.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is required before service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability can be decided.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of depression, first degree atrioventricular block, and low back disorder has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Alegent Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 2007 is denied as the criteria for emergency treatment were not met.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on April 13, 2008 are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depression. The Court has now remanded the case to the Board for further actions, including obtaining additional service treatment records and addressing the Veteran's contention that her psychiatric disability was present during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the appellant is not blind or nearly so, and does not require regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities. She is able to perform most of her daily activities independently.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service connected disabilities. The bilateral knee disability and TDIU claims are remanded due to inadequate development.