Depression decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression, and panic disorder. The decision is based on the occurrence of in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD with depression and an organic brain disorder resulting from a 1993 motorcycle accident, are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70% disabling since October 26, 2007. The rating remains unchanged as the evidence does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current condition may be related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for restoration of a 40% evaluation for his service-connected right knee disability, effective December 1, 2006. The claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Symptoms is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II and eczema (claimed as rash/itching), are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records from a therapist. A psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and migraines, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected psychotic disorder with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which grants him the maximum disability rating for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for effective dates of August 18, 2007 for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, tinnitus, and a right lower leg scar.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic schizophrenia, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD with panic attacks), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied. The decision is based on new evidence received after the Veteran filed his reopened claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is not etiologically related to her active military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 27, 2001 for the grant of service connection for dysthymia (formerly claimed as anxiety and depression). The Veteran's claim was initially filed in June 2001.

The Veteran's claimed in-service stressors have been verified, and his PTSD has been diagnosed based on these verified stressors. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, finding no probative evidence indicating that his current condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining the appellant's service personnel records and SSI application records, scheduling VA examinations for migraine headaches and depressive disorder, and notifying the appellant of secondary service connection requirements. The appeal will be remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC).

The Veteran's PTSD and chronic depression are service-connected due to in-service stressors, with the PTSD being linked to sexual trauma and physical assault.