Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression and alcohol abuse resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities prevent him from protecting himself from the hazards of his environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was due to accidental drowning, and there is no evidence showing a service-connected disability caused or contributed substantially to his death. The appellant's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including broken teeth, migraine headaches, head injury, dislocated shoulder, hip arthritis, knee arthritis, nose and jaw injuries, diabetes mellitus, thyroid issues, lung problems, throat issues, breathing problems, allergies, gum bleeding, loss of smell/taste, sleep apnea, swallowing problems (dysphagia), blepharitis, ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, fear of heights, memory problems, and insomnia are not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been granted, as his symptoms are related to a fear of hostile military activity during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as due to personal assault (now granted as a major depressive disorder and anxiety), has been dismissed without prejudice because the issue is no longer before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression and anxiety disorder, which he contends began during his military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, pes planus, and right and left knee conditions. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his claims for pes planus and right and left knee conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder was incurred during his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate them.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder and entitlement to an increased evaluation for scar, laceration of the tongue remain pending at the Board.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is April 9, 2004. The Veteran's claim was granted secondary to his service-connected seizure disorder and depression.

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

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development and examination.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, with an initial disability rating of 30 percent effective from May 22, 2007. The appellant is seeking a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol has been denied as it is not a compensable disability.,Service connection has been reopened for bilateral athlete's foot, but the issue remains pending and will be addressed in the remand portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The evidence now includes a diagnosis of PTSD and depression, which were not previously considered in the original denial.