Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling another VA compensation examination.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and employment history. The case will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression is dismissed as moot because he has already been granted service connection for anxiety disorder, which encompasses the symptoms of his claimed depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder(s), to include PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the claimant's service connection claims are inextricably intertwined with his diabetes mellitus claim. Therefore, all issues related to secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction, depression, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether VA treatment caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been granted. His claims for increased disability rating for mechanical low back pain and TDIU have also been granted.

The Veteran's major depression with panic disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from June 22, 2010. The rating criteria for a higher evaluation are not met prior to that date.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The diagnosis of PTSD has been made, and the Veteran served in a combat zone during his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD are related to his active service, including combat experiences in Vietnam. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective August 14, 2005, due to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, as diagnosed by VA mental health professionals based on his reported experiences in Vietnam. The benefit-of-the-doubt is resolved in favor of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims, specifically regarding verification of claimed stressors and a VA examination.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to encompass all psychiatric disorders and is remanding for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any currently present acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The revised 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f) (3) will be considered in determining service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and granted it. The evidence presented raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, was incurred in and caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability and the current severity of the service-connected scar.