Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder had its onset during active service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 30 percent, with occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral knee disorder. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is based on a fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, and a left eye disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case to address service connection for dysthymia and depression on a direct-incurrence basis, other than as related to PTSD. The issue of separate compensable evaluations for dysthymia and depression will also be addressed.

The Board found no competent and credible evidence linking the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder to her active military service, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the appellant's claims. The case must be remanded for an addendum opinion and for obtaining relevant SSA and Mayo Clinic records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by her active military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim of increased rating for the right shoulder injury remains pending. Service connection was also granted for dysthymic disorder (claimed as depression/stress).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current asthma and major depressive disorder are related to his active military service, with no evidence of pre-service onset or aggravation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, a left knee disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were granted. The Veteran was also awarded the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's claimed stressors occurred during service and if they are related to his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to June 4, 2007. From June 4, 2007 through February 21, 2011, the rating was increased to 50 percent for her depressive disorder.

The Board finds by a clear preponderance of the evidence that service connection for a back disability is not warranted. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD includes all acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. However, there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU. The propriety of severing service connection for vitiligo of the face is addressed but not decided.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, as well as any other psychiatric conditions. Any outstanding records from Vet Centers, St. Anthony's, SSA, and VA treatment facilities will also be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a previously scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.