Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing. The claims related to service connection, disability ratings, and TDIU are not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as respiratory and nasal disabilities. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was granted effective October 9, 2007. The initial ratings assigned were 40 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy and 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran currently has any current psychiatric disorder related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for panic disorder and assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective June 23, 2006. The Veteran's claim was initially denied in February 2007 but was later granted with the assignment of a 10 percent evaluation by the AMC in June 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to active service, but his claimed back and leg disabilities are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of the TDIU claim in light of the new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in various conditions, including recurrent urinary tract infections, major depression, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, postoperative reconstruction of the right shoulder, memory loss secondary to petroleum exposure, and chemical burns to esophagus secondary to petroleum exposure. The appeals were based on new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, depression as secondary to a back disability, and bilateral leg disorder as secondary to a back disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied service connection for Major Depression and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are more likely due to substance abuse rather than military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders did not have onset during service and are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, finding it secondary to PTSD. The claim for reopening the urinary disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sore throat, allergic rhinitis, and depression were denied. However, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for her left leg laceration scar.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity venous thrombophlebitis, high cholesterol, hernia, edema, heart disability (presumably referring to heart disease), and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and PTSD, due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right knee disorder are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence and need for clarification of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, a chronic condition, first manifested during his active service and continues to this day. Therefore, service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.