Depression decisions — 2010

The Veteran's major depressive disorder results in mild to moderate social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, and the current evaluation of 30 percent is appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD, needs further development. This includes obtaining additional service treatment records and a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric diseases had onset during or are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective May 9, 2007. TDIU was granted effective on that date.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic paranoid schizophrenia. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities should be set at February 17, 2005, as this is one year prior to the Veteran's claim filing date. The decision was granted and the Veteran meets the criteria for such an award.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for polycystic liver condition, kidney failure, and major depressive disorder. The denial is based on a lack of current disability for polycystic liver condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her mental health condition, which requires assistance from others. The appellant's condition does not meet the criteria for being housebound.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected psychiatric disabilities, and the Board finds that he did not meet any of the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found that the appellant's depression and PTSD were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since July 13, 2007, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is present, or any other acquired psychiatric disorder such as depression, is related to service. Additionally, an evaluation for the left (minor) hand palmar surface laceration scars residuals will be considered.

The Veteran's service-connected depression has been found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety, panic, depressive and posttraumatic stress disorders, was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition during service or a verified in-service stressor. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the appellant's anxiety and depression are related to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the alcohol dependence claim had no legal merit, while the major depressive disorder, left wrist disability, right ankle degenerative joint disease, and left ankle degenerative joint disease claims were not supported by evidence of a direct or secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining unit records and fire department records from the 50th Ordinance Company. The Veteran will be provided with an examination to determine if any psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the appellant's nerve disorder with depression is related to his military service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU, service connection for depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to the specified dates were denied. The effective date of the award of service connection for these conditions was set at September 16, 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by depression, anxiety, anger, social isolation, sleep impairment, short-term memory impairment, difficulty with social and industrial interactions, hypervigilance, occasional flashbacks, and poor concentration. These symptoms produce occupational and industrial impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from a small bowel infarction. The Board finds that the appellant's contention is without merit.