Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder with alcohol abuse, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the impairment does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA and VA, including any medical records submitted by the Veteran in support of his claim for Social Security disability benefits.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for depression and a back disorder. The Board has determined that additional development, including VA examinations, is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not caused by VA treatment and thus denied his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 11, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of the evidentiary record, including obtaining relevant Social Security Administration records and contemporaneous VA examinations to assess his hearing loss and psychiatric disability. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service, including any in-service symptoms and alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and depression/anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's original claim of service connection for a psychological disability was pending since its submission in October 1985. The January 2004 rating decision granting service connection and establishing an effective date of December 30, 2002 is found to be the product of clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, claimed as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing, as requested by the Veteran's representative. The appeal is currently in a pending state.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorders, reopening the claim previously denied in 1967. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired neuropsychiatric disorder other than PTSD and major depressive disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor and current valid diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied, while his claim for an increased rating for the residual scar of left inguinal hernia was granted at a 10% disability level.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus and traumatic injury to right foot metatarsals 1 and 2 with chronic strain to include numbness of great toe. The appellant's PTSD was found to be 70 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, OCD and PTSD, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment. The claims are also being held in abeyance regarding a TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is likely due to his service in Iraq, and thus grants service connection for this condition.