Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying his representation status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder was granted effective August 24, 2004. However, his claims of service connection for a nervous condition (PTSD-like symptoms) and drug addiction were denied in September 1984.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the merits of the claim may be addressed, including obtaining morning reports and other relevant documentation from the Veteran's unit, as well as a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's statements about racial harassment during service are credible and establishing a link between his current symptoms and in-service events.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive and restrictive lung disease, major depressive disorder and anxiety, onychomycosis (secondary to diabetes mellitus), left shoulder disability, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), heart disease (including congestive heart failure and edema of the legs) (presumptively due to Agent Orange exposure), PTSD, and granted an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded the issue of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of both hands or arms, which would entitle him to a higher rate of special monthly compensation. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development to ensure that all relevant evidence is considered, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examination and development due to insufficient detail in previous medical opinions, incomplete documentation of service stressors, and failure to consider updated regulations regarding PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and his anxiety disorder and depression are not related to service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, but he is granted service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include depression (depression), was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective April 18, 2007. The earlier effective date claim for this condition is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, personnel records, and examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, manifested by a depressive disorder, is found to be etiologically related to his military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a right knee disorder were denied. The right knee disorder was granted as it is presumed to have existed prior to service. Service connection for the psychiatric disorders could not be established due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 50 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms. The disability rating for perforated tympanic membranes remains non-compensable.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are found to have onset during service, with the PTSD being aggravated by events related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was substantially or materially contributed to by his service-connected dysthymia and generalized anxiety disorder, which led him to abuse alcohol and develop hepatorenal syndrome.

The Board has ordered another remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining in-service mental health clinic records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's reported stressors of exposure to enemy fire and rocket attacks in Vietnam have been found sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.