Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's recurrent major depressive disorder associated with psoriasis was granted a 70 percent evaluation from February 2, 2008. The rating for post-traumatic myositis ossificans of the right elbow and lumbar strain with traumatic arthritis remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability had its onset in service and whether PTSD is connected to the Veteran's service with Cuban refugees.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection were denied. The appellant did not meet the income requirements for nonservice-connected death pension, and her accrued benefits claims were also denied due to exceeding the maximum annual pension rate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify inservice stressors and determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including her depression and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, rated at 50 percent prior to September 2, 2009, and now rated at 70 percent as of that date, is found to meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for obsessive compulsive disorder, but the Board finds that the claim was not pending prior to January 20, 2006 and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of generalized anxiety disorder with depression, service connection for a heart disorder, and reopening of residuals of bilateral frozen feet claim are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete October 2006 VA medical opinion, which did not address whether the Veteran's depression may be aggravated by her service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's in-service stressor and determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, are related to this verified event. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for bilateral hip disorder, major depression, and low back disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining clarification on his alleged exposure to herbicides and any service in the Republic of South Vietnam. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Board has determined that an additional examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining stressor information and VA treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's sinus disorder and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and for medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and panic disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective March 1, 2006. The rating for depressive symptoms (dysthymia) has been granted.

The Veteran's depression is manifested by anger and rapid speech, but does not warrant an evaluation greater than 10 percent.