Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and mood disorder, is not service-connected. The facial scars are rated at 10 percent, the fractured jaw residuals do not meet criteria for a higher rating, and the facial tic does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD with MDD, panic attacks and agoraphobia, and OCD, has been found to result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are not related to his service. The evidence does not show a current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with VA regulations, nor is there sufficient evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD are not related to his military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is service-connected, as it is linked to his in-service experiences and not due to pre-existing conditions or other factors.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss. The claim for a higher initial rating for depression has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's pending claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for panic disorder with agoraphobia and depression has been granted, resulting in a 50% disability rating. The appellant is also entitled to TDIU based on the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and related psychiatric disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depressive Disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression has been rated at 50 percent from July 28, 2010. The rating is maintained as the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at OakBend Medical Center on February 19 and 20, 2009 are now covered by VA as the closest VA facility was not feasibly available to treat his ventral hernia condition.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for panic disorder with agoraphobia and depression has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a comprehensive VA examination to determine whether PTSD is related to any such stressor or stressors. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's dysthymic disorder and other psychiatric conditions were found to be not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military activity and are consistent with his service. The other issues were not addressed as they did not involve service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic PTSD and a depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are secondary to inservice sexual harassment.

The Veteran's atypical affective disorder was denied increased ratings, with the Board finding that the current schedular criteria are adequate to rate his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his service-connected prostate cancer residuals. The claim for service connection is granted.