Depression decisions — 2011

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, or major depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for anxiety reaction with depression and finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection, including from VA treating physician's opinion linking current depression to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a comprehensive VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The current diagnosis of depressive disorder will be considered at this time.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 16, 2005, based on symptoms including depressed mood, sleep impairment, blunted affect, isolative behavior, low self-esteem, hypervigilance, irritability, mood swings, nervousness, low energy, and rare panic attacks.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's initial rating claim for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and depression due to additional development being necessary. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, a copy of his SSA file, and scheduling appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety, and major depression, is as likely as not due to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied, and the issue of what evaluation is warranted for PTSD from April 23, 2004, remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to changes in VA regulations regarding service connection for PTSD, as well as the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and addressing the Veteran's assertions about his in-service exposure to salt water.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is not service-connected, and his TDIU claim was denied due to lack of a single service-connected disability meeting the threshold for consideration.

The Veteran's statements regarding a personal assault during service in Vietnam are credible, and the preponderance of medical evidence supports an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder as a result of his claimed in-service stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted, but no increased rating or TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's current period of unemployment is due to his service-connected right 5th metacarpalphalangeal joint disability.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for non-service-connected disability pension. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not report to VA examinations for his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 16, 2004 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression. The initial disability rating remains at 50 percent prior to February 26, 2005.