Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, had its onset in service and granted the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and depression were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a GAF score of 51.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressor and therefore denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and readjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depression was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is granted. The appeal concerning sleep apnea has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown psychiatric disorder, major depressive disorder, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, has been denied as there is no medical evidence linking the depression to his periods of service or his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and an examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA examination will be arranged to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric or cognitive disability.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and assistance due to his multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, which render him unable to perform certain daily activities without help. As a result, he qualifies for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression was rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2007.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU effective April 13, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service, including considering whether symptoms during or shortly after service may be identified as manifestations of a chronic disease.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from the initial grant of service connection. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service, including a verified in-service stressor or fear of hostile military activity.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not attributable to service and is not etiologically related to his service-connected spinal meningitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic IBS, chronic head injury residuals, and a chronic headache disorder to include migraines were denied. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating to 20%, while his lumbar spine disability was granted a 60% rating from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005, and a 20% rating thereafter. Separate ratings of 10% were assigned for right sciatica and left sciatica. The Veteran's trapezius muscle strain was granted a 10% evaluation. Finally, the Veteran's panic disorder with depression was granted an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.