Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's sleep and psychiatric complaints have been attributed to post-service diagnoses of dyssomnia, PTSD, and major depression. There is no persuasive evidence of any service-connected or undiagnosed illness-related conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, specifically anxiety disorder not otherwise specified and depressive disorder NOS, is related to his in-service stressor. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to in-service stressors and/or any in-service assault, including a verified in-service assault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an injury or disease during service, and the Board found that the current diagnosis of depression is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records. The Board will consider whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable without regard to his age or non-service connected disabilities, and will determine if referral for extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion on the etiology of the claimed condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a nervous disorder, hysterical neurosis, and major depressive disorder with psychotic features. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied. The claims for higher initial ratings for idiopathic edema of the left and right lower extremities were also denied.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including mental illness, paranoia, and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current condition to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and arranging for VA examinations to assess his psychiatric disorder and gastrointestinal disability.

The Veteran's respiratory symptoms have been disassociated from his service-connected asbestosis, and the evidence does not support a compensable rating for asbestosis.

Your claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability has been granted, and you are now receiving the benefit. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Board denied service connection for depression, left knee disorder (other than chondromalacia patella), and right knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Panic Disorder that are related to military service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice for a scheduled hearing, and he has requested another hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features is related to his active service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected depression, which has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since at least 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder without agoraphobia are currently evaluated at 50 percent disabling. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70% or 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of a compensable rating for any of his claimed conditions.