Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current anxiety and depression did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his service-connected disabilities, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Korea. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and adjustment disorder, is also granted based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot DJD and plantar spurs as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee and ankle disability, headaches as secondary to his cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). Service connection for residuals of a nose fracture and hypertension was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot and ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not attributable to documented in-service injuries. The claims for heart disability and psychiatric disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service. The Veteran must also provide additional information about his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration of his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus, depressive disorder with anxiety, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and/or an anxiety disorder) are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and attempting to obtain additional service treatment records. The Veteran's claim is currently pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder and fatigue, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for secondary service connection to his lumbar spine disability was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by credible supporting evidence of in-service personal assault and sexual assault.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current psychiatric disability related to her active military service and denied her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to clarify his periods of active duty. The Board will address these issues in a subsequent decision.

The Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board at the RO has been scheduled. The case is being remanded due to his request.

The Board has determined that the Veteran experienced seizures in service and has post-service continuity of symptomatology, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from law enforcement authorities and attempting to obtain lay witness statements. A VA medical opinion is also needed to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to her military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression. The claims file will be reviewed, and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued after any necessary development.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD with depressive disorder symptoms has been granted, and he is now service-connected for these conditions. His hypertension secondary to service-connected disabilities remains pending.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, was rated at 70 percent effective May 19, 2011.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection of plantar fasciitis, psychiatric disability (depressed mood and major depression), sleep disorder, and cardiac disability were all denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.