Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as they have a mild to significant effect on his employability but do not make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection will be reconsidered based on the evidence and arguments presented.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused him to use tobacco products post-service, which was a substantial factor in causing his COPD with emphysema. The VA examiner concluded that COPD with emphysema would not have occurred but for the use of tobacco products caused by PTSD.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depression. The case is remanded due to the need for an examination to establish the nature, onset, and severity of any psychiatric conditions found to be present, including verification of in-service stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran did not incur an additional disability as a result of VA medical treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing due to his request.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her preexisting psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, generalized anxiety with depression, and alcoholism. The Veteran's claims are granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran is found to have a current diagnosis of PTSD, which is causally linked to an in-service stressor event of mortar attacks while stationed at Phan Rang Air Force Base in Vietnam. Therefore, service connection for PTSD with depression is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been continuously rated at 70 percent since the effective date of service connection on November 6, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right elbow tendonitis, hypothyroidism, allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and depression. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric and general medical examination to assess the Veteran's current disability levels and her ability to work due to her service-connected conditions. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for ulcerative colitis and depressive disorder, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The Veteran is also awarded a 100% disability rating for his postoperative residuals of bilateral hammertoe deformity with traumatic arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the claims file and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and psychiatric disorder, but denied service connection on the merits. The evidence does not establish a link between any current psychiatric disorders and active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The July 1982 denial of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is final. The Board found no CUE in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma, hypertension, anxiety and depression (secondary to Meniere's disease), and tinnitus. The claim of entitlement to service connection for asthma was also denied.