Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of permanent and total disability from non-service connected conditions. Additional records, including SSA disability benefit information and VA outpatient treatment records, are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of in-service stressors and the link between current psychiatric disorders and service. The Veteran will be provided a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is not shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as required for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the evidence does not show that his symptoms warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and giving the Veteran an opportunity to respond.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a TDIU, increased ratings for left knee disabilities, and service connection for lumbar myositis to the RO for further development. The Veteran is also being given another opportunity to respond to these matters.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for major depression and an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 60 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were granted service connection. The claim for reopening the major depressive disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria of having a single permanent disability rated 100% disabling under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional VA medical records and to give the Veteran another opportunity to provide information and/or evidence pertinent to his claim on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of claimed stressors and need for further examination regarding PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, such as depressive disorder NOS. The examiner will also assess whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to service or not.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, are not service-connected as they did not occur during his military service and there is no credible evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and depression were not service-connected, while the cervical disc disease warranted a rating of less than 10 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and cognitive disorder with dementia, cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the appellant's adjustment disorder with depression and PTSD are service connected, considering all relevant evidence. The appellant will also be notified of the need to appear for an examination as requested.

The Board determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, had onset during service. Therefore, service connection is granted for the full extent of his psychiatric disability.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD with depressive features, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are due to his combat experiences in Vietnam.