Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of her major depression with anxious mood.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proper notification regarding service connection for PTSD based on personal assault, and because in-service clinical records are needed. Additionally, Social Security Administration medical records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service sexual assault and its impact on her current psychiatric conditions. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, and whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service. The issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions. The issues of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are also remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression was granted, and he received a 100% disability rating effective from August 23, 2007.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is currently rated at 10 percent. Her GERD is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in service or due to an incident therein. The claim was reopened based on new evidence but denied.

The Board found that the evidence did not show that VA medical care was the proximate cause of the Veteran's additional disabilities, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including adjudicating the issue of service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The initial rating claim for PTSD remains on hold.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU due to his failure to report for a VA audio examination, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and the Veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses related to a psychiatric disability or depression during service. The preponderance of the evidence against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not service-connected, but his PTSD and depression were granted a 30% rating. The low back strain and headaches received increased ratings, with the headaches receiving a 50% rating after October 23, 2008. A total rating based on individual unemployability was granted prior to September 8, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, left shoulder disability, and low back disability are all considered under the direct theory of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development of records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA psychiatric treatment records. A supplemental VA examination is also required to address direct service connection and secondary service connection on the basis of aggravation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her service-connected major depressive disorder with panic attacks is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining inpatient psychiatric records and assessing her current employment status. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also raised as part of this increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected mood disorder with chronic fatigue and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining mental health treatment records from other VA facilities and conducting neuropsychological testing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.