Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is being remanded to the RO for further review, including consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on October 31, 2007 due to lack of a 'medical emergency' and unavailability of VA facilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, including obtaining a VA examination and potentially obtaining medical records from Dr. M.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depression, and tinnitus are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age or any nonservice-connected disorders.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors and to obtain a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and severity of any psychiatric disorders found to be present.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of dysthymic disorder and depression are service-connected, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's death was caused by or substantially contributed to by his service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), which led to depression and ultimately the cause of death, metastatic esophageal carcinoma.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his service, including verifying specific in-service stressors.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on its current severity.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a heart disorder that is causally related to service. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, remains pending as additional evidence and examination are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, as he is able to perform basic self-care functions and does not require substantial confinement.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify in-service stressors and determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding in-service stressors and additional medical evaluation.

The Board has recharacterized the issue on appeal as one for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since January 8, 2007, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and depression, finding that these conditions are not attributable to his active military service or to a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claims for service connection. His claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if any of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to service, including PTSD. The Veteran claims he witnessed two prisoners get shot and killed by military police officers during basic training at Fort Knox in May 1968.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded to determine if he has any psychiatric disorder related to service, including PTSD due to a claimed stressor. The Veteran must provide additional information regarding dates and places of attacks he witnessed either in person or over the radio.