Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder with psychotic features is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic right knee disorder and depression, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he has PTSD or any other mental disorder related to service. The RO will also apply the new regulation regarding PTSD and review the claims file for additional lay statements.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete consideration of his psychiatric disability, including PTSD and other conditions. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, and entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder and cervical disc disease due to new examinations being necessary, additional VA medical records needing to be obtained, and possible SSA records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to assess the etiology of the Veteran's claimed major depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is also being considered.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have an acquired psychiatric disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which is secondary to a personal assault during active duty. The Board has ordered additional development including verification of the alleged stressor and examination by a psychiatrist.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development regarding whether the Veteran's discharge from active military service is a bar to his surviving spouse receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's brain cancer, bladder incontinence, yeast infection, chronic headaches, and depression were not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The cause of death was determined to be progressive leptomeningeal glioma, anaplastic astrocytoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left eye condition and a psychiatric disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the former claim. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for either disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for major depression and chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the specific stressors claimed by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the accrued benefits claims for papillary squamous cell carcinoma, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, right ankle disability, thyroid disability, PTSD, and depression to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD were denied as there is no competent evidence of record to support these diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of submucous fibroids was denied, and her request for an earlier effective date for major depression with PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is March 28, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran did not experience chronic symptoms of a psychiatric disorder during active service and did not experience continuous symptoms after service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was diagnosed during service based on credible in-service stressors and has continued since. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is found to be service-connected due to in-service trauma. Residuals of a traumatic brain injury are also found to be service-connected. The right knee disorder is not rated higher than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing notice of recent regulatory amendments and attempting to obtain more information regarding the Veteran's alleged stressors. A VA examination is also required.