Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent since August 1, 2005. The claim for increased initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eating disorder has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features, is granted as it was caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of his claims, including a TDIU claim. The Veteran will be provided with an opportunity to identify any relevant medical records and undergo VA examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if her sleep apnea is secondary to her service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and depression were denied. The right knee disorder rating was also denied. No effective date earlier than October 15, 2004, is granted for the 20% rating of the right knee. There is no evidence to support compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for pneumothorax.

The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a back disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's anxiety/depressive disorder is manifested by chronic sleep disturbance and irritability, which most nearly approximates occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for an initial disability rating of 30 percent have been met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety and PTSD. The evidence presented is sufficient to establish a causal relationship between his military service and his current condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA mental disorders examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an increased initial rating for depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU remain inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a major depressive disorder and hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support the claim of service connection for the cause of death due to VA negligence, and concluded that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bowel incontinence, depression, and urinary incontinence were denied. The RO granted service connection for depression at a 10% evaluation but did not grant any compensation for urinary incontinence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 21, 2005. The rating was increased to 100 percent from August 15, 2007, to October 1, 2007.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, heart disease, stroke, seizures, cold injuries to service or any specific exposure. The Veteran's assertions were not credible and his claims for these conditions were denied.