Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to an inaudible transcript of the April 2011 hearing. The Veteran is requested to indicate whether he wants another hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder, but denied the remaining claims on appeal. The Veteran's original claims file is presumed destroyed due to Hurricane Ike in September 2008.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, and depression have not been established as service-connected. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing SSA records, specifically those of Dr. A.G., an impartial medical expert.

The Veteran's depression is found to be service-connected, and he has a lung disability likely due to asbestos exposure during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder and anxiety are related to his service, specifically his inpatient psychiatric treatment for drug abuse and immature personality during service. As a result, the appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for cervical spine disability, service connection for PTSD, and impotency were denied. The right arm injury claim was reopened but not granted. Service connection for a depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination in order to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to active service.

The Board found that the appellant's current depressive disorder is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including personality disorder, depression, and PTSD. The evidence did not show a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a mental disorder, including anxiety disorder/depression, claustrophobia with alcoholism. The decision was based on the lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is found to be related to his service in Vietnam and the stressors he experienced there. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for right hand disability, back disability, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and depression due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a nexus between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that there is reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression, as his lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of the claimed stressor related to his Gulf War service. The VA examiner diagnosed him with PTSD and linked it to his service experience.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be permanently and chronically aggravated by his service-connected left foot and ankle disabilities, warranting service connection.

The Board found that the appellant did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to January 1, 2006 as he was gainfully employed during this period. Therefore, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's MDD is related to his active military service, specifically his experiences at Camp Lejeune.