Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's depression, memory loss, and cognitive impairment associated with a traumatic brain injury are currently rated as 70 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, however diagnosed (including personality disorder and depressive disorder), was denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The skin disability claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted a 30 percent evaluation effective March 30, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and dementia, is found to be related to his service-connected osteoarthritis. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and a chronic headache disorder are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's depression is not attributable to active military service. The claims to reopen for gonorrhea, a fractured nose, and intermittent headaches have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent from December 27, 2002 to October 18, 2007 and at 70 percent effective October 19, 2007.,An earlier effective date for the 70 percent disability rating is not granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not fully adjudicated and requires additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), hypertension secondary to psychiatric disability, and alcoholism and drug abuse secondary to psychiatric disability will be reconsidered after the development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's service record shows he had symptoms of depression during his time in service, but it is unclear if these are related to his current condition or drug/alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and fatigue was denied due to the lack of a verified stressor related to his active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, and for a left shoulder disability. The claim for PTSD was not granted due to lack of corroborated in-service stressor.

The Board found no credible evidence of the alleged in-service assault and determined that any depression or anxiety is not related to service. The claim for PTSD with depression and anxiety was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic otitis media of the left ear, depression secondary to left ear otitis media, headaches secondary to left ear otitis media, and loss of balance secondary to left ear otitis media have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the Veteran with VCAA notice.