Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as well as his left ankle disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(2) is remanded due to the need for a VA aid and attendance examination, as well as obtaining all outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination. The issue includes verification of claimed stressors during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the current severity of his major depression and whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to reassess the severity of his PTSD with anxiety and depression, as well as an opinion regarding the effect this disability has on his employability. Additionally, any outstanding VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and attempting to verify the claimed stressors related to his PTSD. The Veteran will also be afforded a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and PTSD, are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

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 meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and whether any other currently diagnosed psychiatric disability was incurred during or as a result of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mood disorder, NOS (including anxiety and depression), is related to his active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder that is service-connected, as her claimed conditions are more likely related to her personal history and experiences outside of military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is manifested by anxiety, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, suicidal ideation and at least two suicide attempts, neglect of personal hygiene, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances causing deficiencies in most of the areas including work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, a rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, specifically the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability decision and supporting medical records. The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for postoperative fistula-in-ano and service connection for depression are pending.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymia and adjustment disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD and attributing depression to post-service substance abuse.

The Veteran's PTSD, with anxiety and cognitive disorders, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since the effective date of service connection. The Board granted a 100 percent evaluation for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include depression are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining relevant VA treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be addressed during this process.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining clarification from the Veteran about his claimed in-service stressors and providing a VA examination. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, remains on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD, is not related to service. The claim was denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors supporting her PTSD diagnosis.