Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the etiology of her psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been granted a 100% rating, effective from the date of his claim. The Board also found that he is entitled to service connection for syncope and collapse, rhinitis, acute bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, sleep apnea, and dermatomycosis with pruritus due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the claim as it pertains to this issue. Service connection remains pending for a chronic skin condition of the feet, chest, groin and ears (claimed as tinea corporis).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for depression, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorder. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depressive disorders, did not manifest during service or due to a disease incurred in service. The Board also determined that his claims were not based on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified was granted effective December 12, 2011. The appeal of the issues of hearing loss and tinnitus is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating since May 9, 2003.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining mental health records and determining the credibility of the Veteran's allegations.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression and headaches, as his claimed stressor could not be verified.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, alcohol dependence, and opiate dependence, has been found to warrant a 30 percent schedular evaluation since the date of service connection. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder have been granted increased ratings. The hepatitis C is rated at 40 percent disabling, the psychiatric disorders are rated at 30 percent each.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the existence and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder (depression, pain disorder, and PTSD) is found to be incurred in active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current eye disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not show continuity of symptoms since service discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the July 1989 decision granting service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, with related panic disorder, resulted in chronic depression with suicidal ideations, frequent panic attacks, impaired memory and concentration, isolation, lack of energy and motivation, loss of interest in activities, and agoraphobia. A 70 percent disability rating was granted effective July 8, 2010.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems was granted a 30 percent rating effective April 20, 2010. The previous ratings were for the period prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and denied nonservice-connected pension benefits. The Veteran's depression is not shown to be related to his active duty service, and it was not the result of a service-connected disability.