Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate evidence for a fully informed decision, and further examination and records are needed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder and depressive disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including as secondary to a pre-existing condition. The evidence did not support granting service connection for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was sexually assaulted during a period of inactive duty for training or active duty for training and that she incurred a psychiatric disability as the result thereof, establishing service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, is related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's allegations of an in-service stressor were not credible and there was no corroborating evidence. The Board concluded that a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the appellant's currently diagnosed PTSD is linked to an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after all actions are taken.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD. The case is REMANDED for a VA mental disorders/PTSD examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression was granted with a disability rating of 50 percent effective August 6, 2003. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and right ankle and foot disorder have been rated, but the initial compensable rating for her psychiatric condition has been granted. The increased rating claim for her right ankle and foot disorder was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, or anxiety, incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding of such disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder(s), including PTSD.

New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and a mood disorder.,The Veteran's low back disorder is also considered on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, was denied. The effective date of service connection remains October 7, 1997.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and his other diagnosed psychiatric disabilities (including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) are not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder and depression, is related to his in-service carjacking incident. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of personnel records and other issues.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder. The Veteran currently suffers from this condition and there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that it began during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder with depression is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.