Depression decisions — 2011

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, are related to his active service. The Board finds that these conditions were likely caused by substance abuse during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including psychotic disorder and depressive disorder, was denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnosed conditions, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment warranting a 70 percent rating since January 14, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression is being remanded due to the need for clarification of treatment dates and possible additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD and MDD is denied as there is no evidence of worsening within one year prior to the March 22, 2008 increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for left ear hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. However, there is no current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric conditions and for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is found to be attributable to an in-service sexual assault, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should include consideration of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include manic depressive disorder. The case is REMANDED for further development and adjudication.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms more nearly approximate a 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and reserve service records. The claims will be re-adjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression with chronic adjustment disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including his service connection claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's recurrent major depressive disorder existed prior to service and may have been exacerbated during service, meeting the criteria for service connection under the presumption of sound condition upon entry into service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is caused by his active service and not due to willful misconduct, thus granting him service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was initially rated at 0 percent, but since May 13, 2008, he has been assigned a 50 percent rating. The appeal is mixed as it concerns both the initial compensable rating and higher ratings since May 13, 2008.