Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and to obtain updated medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, particularly PTSD. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD are related to stressful events he experienced as a Navy hospital corpsman during his active duty service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, and whether he had a psychosis that manifested itself in the first post-service year. The appeal will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and its relation to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is due to or aggravated by service in the Persian Gulf War. The Board finds that the Veteran has shown a current disability and a link between his military service and his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further evidentiary review.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in a combined disability rating of 70 percent, which meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, his other service-connected conditions do not significantly impact his employability.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA outpatient treatment records, provide adequate notice under VCAA, and schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if her acquired psychiatric disorder is related to in-service assault or childhood sexual abuse.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and further compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, anxiety, and depression. As a result, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his military service.

The Veteran does not have a depressive disorder that is attributable to military service or was caused or made worse by her service-connected right knee disorder.,The Veteran does not have a left hip disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, including as secondary to his service-connected hearing loss, was denied by the Board. The VA examiner found no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder and concluded that there is no relationship between the claimed depression and service or service-connected hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 11, 2001 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder manifested by depression. The decision found that no legal basis existed to assign such a date.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and finds that the Veteran's current depression is related to his active military service. Regarding bipolar disorder, a remand is required as the Veteran needs another psychiatric examination to determine if he currently has this condition or had it during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin condition, an acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and memory loss), and a heart condition. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD results in mild and transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress. The current rating is appropriate as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and lung scarring associated with pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year post-service. The current diagnoses are unrelated to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD was denied as there is no medical evidence or opinion suggesting a relationship between his current psychiatric disorder and military service.