Depression decisions — 2011

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to reassess his PTSD and associated conditions, including major depression, dysthymia, and alcohol dependence. The initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the updated evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and fibromyalgia are all granted. The Veteran experienced traumatic events during his service in the Persian Gulf War, which led to a diagnosis of PTSD. His fibromyalgia is considered an undiagnosed illness related to his service.

The Veteran's appeals for helpless child benefits on behalf of his daughter and son were denied as there is no evidence showing that either was permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The issues are whether service connection should be granted for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, with consideration of it being secondary to his right knee and right ankle conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD and anxiety are one in the same, constituting an earlier claim for PTSD based on his earlier claim for anxiety. As such, DJL is eligible for attorney fees based on the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for PTSD and depression. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence, including statements from health care providers who have treated him over several years.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right eye blindness and PTSD, finding no evidence of a chronic right eye disorder or PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and medical records from February 2005 to the present. Additionally, a new VA examination is needed due to the possibility of worsening in her service-connected cervical spine injury.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment prior to January 24, 2006. From January 24, 2006, there is no evidence of gross impairment in thought processes or persistent delusions/hallucinations.

The Veteran's major depression has resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD and depression, with the stressors involving plane crash victims at Altus AFB in 1964 and witnessing his father shoot and kill his mother during service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to these service-connected stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and issues with development of evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is being considered on a direct basis. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim, but further development is needed to determine if service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for epilepsy, depression secondary to epilepsy, and irritable bowel syndrome secondary to epilepsy are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's back disability, GSW residuals of the left thigh, adjustment disorder, abdominal scar, and surgical scars on the back are all rated as they currently stand without additional compensation.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss, tinnitus, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depressive Disorder) that is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to her service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain missing VA outpatient treatment records for the Veteran's major depression and to schedule her for an appropriate VA examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further development, including consideration of whether TDIU is warranted.