Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for depression and assigned a noncompensable initial disability rating for GERD. The Veteran's long-term complaints of heartburn have been considered, with the condition rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression, as new and material evidence has been received. However, on de novo review, the claim is denied because there is no evidence that any current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or to any event therein.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to April 25, 2000.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, PTSD, and major depressive disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and major depressive disorder have been denied. The initial rating assigned by the RO was a noncompensable (0%) rating, which has not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder and personality disorder with depression do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation on account of aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to encompass all psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is REMANDED for a VA psychiatric examination and additional development of records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a nervous disorder (claimed as depression with sleep disturbance) in October 2007. The new evidence received since then is not considered new and material, thus the claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression with generalized anxiety disorder) and residuals of pulmonary tuberculosis are both service-connected.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, personal relations, and mood. The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The VA examiner diagnosed depression and suicide attempt as post-service conditions, linking them to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, anxiety disorder, depression, neurosis, and psychosis. The issue is currently under review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's reported experiences in service are credible and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or depression, is related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and muscle cramps were denied as there is no current diagnosis of depression, and the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current muscle cramps are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining unit histories and a VA PTSD examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD related to fear of hostile military activity. The case will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychoses and an anxiety disorder is not productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected major depressive disorder was granted, with a 50% disability rating effective September 6, 2005. The effective date of the award of service connection for headaches is also set at September 6, 2005.

The Veteran's tension headaches result in a disability picture that more nearly approximates very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance records, VA hospital records from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and West Haven, Connecticut, as well as any relevant records from Womack Army Hospital. The appeal will be considered in terms of whether new and material evidence has been received.