Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran is seeking a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes. The Board finds there are insufficient records to determine the current severity of his disabilities, including depression, hepatitis C, residuals of frost bite to the feet, and left shoulder disorder, which may impact his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mental disorder, which includes PTSD with depressive disorder and agoraphobia, approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The criteria for a 70 percent disability evaluation have been met.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is linked to his in-service exposure to mortar rounds and rocket attacks while serving in Vietnam, with a principal duty as a cannoneer.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, renal insufficiency with hypertension, incisional hernia, diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and impotence, right knee disability, left knee disability, neurodermatitis, tinnitus, limitation of motion of the right knee, hearing loss, and other conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depression are rated under the same criteria, resulting in overlapping symptomatology. The Board finds no basis for separate disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a single gunshot wound to the head, and service connection is granted for the cause of his death due to depression and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and related conditions such as anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service stressor of a jeep accident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, a depressive disorder, and alcohol use/dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is now pending.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, along with his bipolar I disorder, resulted in occupational and social impairment during the periods specified. He was granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his claimed stressors are not corroborated by any credible supporting evidence. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, an anxiety disorder other than PTSD, a depressive disorder, a bipolar disorder, a mood disorder other than a depressive or bipolar disorder, an adjustment disorder, and an impulse control disorder, is denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration and VA medical records, as well as any relevant workers' compensation records. The RO will also consider whether VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of her service-connected right ankle strain and abdominal scar.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizo typical personality disorder. The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the current diagnoses are superimposed on the schizo typical personality disorder diagnosed during his military service.

The Veteran's chronic disability exhibited by headaches was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint disability, depression, back pain, and chest pain as there is no competent evidence of a chronic disability in service or related to service. The fibro-osseous lesions are not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder are found to approximate the criteria for a 50 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 20 percent since October 18, 2007, after accounting for the pre-aggravation deduction of 50 percent due to his service-connected right hip condition.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD remains unchanged, and the appeal is denied.