Depression decisions — 2010

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and considering additional evidence.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the awards of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability, finding that the effective dates were properly assigned as they corresponded to the dates of receipt of claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is due to stressors of sufficient severity incurred while serving in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's major depression is found to be at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected low back disability, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, as these conditions are not attributable to service or any abnormal psychiatric symptoms noted in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his hepatitis C and depression, as well as whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for schizophrenia, earlier effective date, and increased rating claims are dismissed due to the establishment of service connection in a November 2009 rating action.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with depression and PTSD, but denied service connection for schizophrenia. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to his post-service substance abuse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are not related to service or due to his service-connected right knee and right hip conditions. The claim is denied.

The Board found no evidence of arthritis or major depressive disorder related to service and denied the Veteran's claims.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on a verified stressor related to his military service. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding of service connection for depressive disorder or anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, based on a verified in-service stressor and medical diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 30 percent prior to June 3, 2008, and at 50 percent from that date. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to in-service sexual harassment, and she meets the criteria for this diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder was denied as there were no prior informal or formal claims received before September 23, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to Stegall violations, including verifying stressor incidents and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred as a result of his active service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with insomnia is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective May 31, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with associated depression and polysubstance dependence is related to his in-service experiences, including an incident where a fellow soldier tripped a mine or trap. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.