Depression decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a service-connected scoliosis of the thoracic spine, a psychiatric disorder including depression, or residuals of a xiphoidectomy. The low back disability, neck disability, respiratory disorder, headache disorder, and bilateral shoulder disability are also denied as not being related to her active service. Tinnitus is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation was denied as he does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has recharacterized the issue on appeal as one for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to clarify whether he currently suffers from any acquired psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD) that had their onset in service or are otherwise related to his period of active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was caused by stressors that occurred during his military service. The other conditions were not found to be service-connected.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the Veteran's preexisting PTSD and/or major depressive disorder were aggravated by her active service, and for an opinion on whether she is entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder due to inadequate reasons and bases provided in the previous decision. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen claims for service connection for depression, headaches, and a sleep disorder and fatigue. The Veteran's PTSD claim is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depression was incurred in service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to try and corroborate the appellant's claimed stressor of a fellow servicemember committing suicide in service, including obtaining unit records and hospital records.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder. The issue of an earlier effective date for non-service-connected pension benefits is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neuromuscular sensitivity, noise sensitivity, chronic stress and depression are related to his exposure to electromagnetic radiation during active duty. The rash, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, prostate condition, acid reflux, and lung condition have not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted an initial rating of 50 percent effective November 5, 2008. The claim for service connection for headaches and fibromyalgia is denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased PTSD was denied, and his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange were not addressed as they are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her major depressive disorder and for further adjudication of her TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to in-service events and grants service connection for this condition. The PTSD claim was not granted as there is no credible medical evidence of a diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been granted service connection. His hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia remain denied.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further analysis of his psychiatric disorder claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disability of the right hand, and for higher ratings for bilateral pes planus, major depression, right and left knee disabilities, and right and left ankle disabilities were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current neurological disability of the right hand, and that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating or increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, major depression, right and left knee disabilities, and right and left ankle disabilities.