Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess his depression and bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including Social Security Administration records and a VA psychiatric examination. The issues of TDIU and increased evaluation for major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression, as well as tinnitus, were denied due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depression have been found to be related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, allowing for service connection. The Board also granted the claim of TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not render him unemployable prior to October 2, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examination(s) and SSA records, as well as any other relevant treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for an updated VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected PTSD with depression and the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD with depression, including anxiety.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 70 percent rating, but denied an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused total occupational and social impairment at any time during the initial rating period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and determining whether they contain new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that a 70 percent disability rating is warranted for the entirety of this appeal.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, specifically depression. As such, the claim for service connection for depression is granted.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically depression/anxiety. The September 2003 rating decision held that no new or material evidence was provided.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD have been remanded due to inadequate evidence. The Board will require a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and schizoaffective disorder is being remanded due to the need for VCAA notice regarding fire-related records, additional VA treatment records from San Juan VAMC since January 2008, and private medical records. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran experienced or witnessed events involving actual or threatened death or serious injury while stationed in Vietnam, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met and grants the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral glaucoma, and a corneal scar of the right eye were adjudicated. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), but denied for bilateral glaucoma and a corneal scar of the right eye.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various symptoms including headaches, dizziness, fainting, lack of coordination, memory loss, confusion, anxiety, and depression. The Board finds that clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's duty status on dates when he received anthrax vaccinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, anxiety disorder, depression, a heart condition, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain alone does not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.