Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic prostatitis was granted, with the effective date being December 7, 2010. The Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for this disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and PTSD, was incurred in active service. Service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, colitis, or acid reflux and heartburn attributable to active military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including providing notice regarding service connection for PTSD due to personal assault and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no current disability diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV, credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, or a link between current symptoms and any verified stressors. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on post-service treatment records rather than in-service events.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his military service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current residuals of head trauma (other than scars) were not incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that an increased evaluation beyond this rating was not warranted. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain earlier treatment records, provide notice regarding evidence that may corroborate an alleged in-service personal assault, and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic depression and social anxiety (claimed as an adjustment disorder), was found to be incurred in service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board found that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his in-service stressors and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The diagnoses of other conditions are also not linked to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of verification of an in-service stressor. The case will be reviewed and a psychiatric examination will be scheduled if the stressor is verified.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including obtaining pertinent medical records and providing the Veteran with corrected notice regarding his claim for service connection for a depressive disorder.