Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of the conditions listed, except for schizophrenia.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as the increased rating claims for herniated nucleous pulposus and chronic right L4-5 radiculopathy. The Veteran's current diagnoses are depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, with no other mental disorder present.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder are related to an in-service head injury, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and anxiety, is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current anxiety and depression are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's timely Substantive Appeal allowed for the reopening of his claims and granted him increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain, effective from October 6, 2009.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder NOS, and bipolar disorder with psychotic features, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it had onset in service or within one year of service discharge.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent effective July 12, 2003. His cervical spine DDD is rated at 30 percent, effective July 12, 2003. His lumbar spine DDD is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be service-connected, while his PTSD and alcohol abuse are not.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is not severe enough to interfere with occupational or social functioning, and he takes continuous medication for all of his psychiatric disabilities, including his nonservice-connected depression. Therefore, the claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The claim for sleep apnea was also denied as it is not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and a depressive disorder, is being remanded due to procedural issues. The case will be returned to the RO via the AMC for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board found no evidence of a stressor related to his military service that would support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened, and a 100% rating for schizophrenia is granted effective from May 28, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with notice of what information and evidence is needed to substantiate his claims.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, as there is no evidence of an etiological relationship between his service and the condition.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected conditions, effective December 17, 2007.