Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected depressive disorder is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need to address whether her depression alone makes her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA mental status evaluation to reassess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety). The claim will be readjudicated based on all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression resulting in substance abuse/drug addiction, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective February 1, 1993. The Board found that the disability has resulted in definite social and industrial impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to remove her from discontinued status for vocational rehabilitation services due to the lack of reasonable feasibility in achieving a vocational goal given her current psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are related to his service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his entitlement to compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of Interferon treatment has been denied because new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are etiologically related to his military service, including his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder does not meet the criteria for a TDIU under VA regulations, as it is rated at 30% and he has other physical disabilities that prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for asthma and an acquired psychiatric disability to include depression and anxiety must be remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service dates and need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disorder worsened during his period of active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims of increased rating for depressive disorder and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression caused occupational and social deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood from May 6, 2005 to August 31, 2008. From September 1, 2008 forward, the Veteran's PTSD causes total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran was unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD since he first filed his claim for service connection in May 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor are he bedridden or housebound. Therefore, his claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the claims as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's depression is not considered to be a result of the improper dosage of thyroid medication prescribed by VA, as his depression was already present and related to retirement.