Depression decisions — 2010

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 1, 2001 for the grant of non-service-connected disability pension.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is granted at a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently evaluated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms. The evidence does not support a higher rating as he experiences occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's macular degeneration, stroke (CVA), or anxiety/depression to his service or a service-connected condition. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD. The claim for residuals of a pregnancy was dismissed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with psychotic features has been granted service connection and rated at 30 percent disabling, effective May 28, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, and if so, whether service connection is warranted, was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The case was also remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for decreased gastric motility was granted, but service connection for a psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression was denied. The Board remanded the case for additional development.

The Board is remanding the case due to the need for further development, including reconciling diagnoses of mental disorders and considering additional evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a nexus opinion.

The VA denied service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is properly diagnosed as a major depressive disorder and not PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected skin condition. The Veteran's cystic acne and acne vulgaris are currently rated at 30 percent, but the appeal for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's medical services at Cary Medical Center on October 13, 2007 were not authorized prior to the treatment and did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and cognitive impairment, were not shown to be related to service or any service-connected disability. The Board denied the claim for service connection as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current diagnoses and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are related to his military service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are not related to his active military service and have denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his claimed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary panic disorder and major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 1, 2006. The Veteran also has bilateral hearing loss that does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.