Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining claims due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (recurrent cystitis, PTSD, and depression) are found to be of such a nature or severity that they prevent her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, based on new and material evidence. The Veteran's claim was previously denied due to lack of in-service stressors corroborated by official records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and related conditions including General Anxiety Disorder and Depression was denied as there is no current psychiatric disability found.

The Veteran's diagnosed major depression was not shown to be related to his military service, and the Board found no evidence of a nexus between the current psychiatric disorder and active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression was not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder related to in-service sexual trauma, which has been corroborated by credible supporting evidence. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to the unavailability of VA treatment records from Little Rock, Arkansas VAMC. The Veteran will be provided with a proper notice regarding the unavailability of these records and given an opportunity to submit alternative evidence supporting his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are etiologically related to his active duty service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fear of hostile military activity during his service in Afghanistan is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. A VA examiner diagnosed PTSD based on these experiences. Therefore, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, is related to active duty service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, which includes PTSD and major depression. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current PTSD to his in-service stressor.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including recurrent major depressive disorder associated with headaches due to head trauma, is now rated at 70 percent effective September 29, 2009.,Effective May 22, 2002, the Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective June 16, 2002. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms warrant this rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and dysthymic disorder, did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and are not related to any incident during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his combat service in Iraq. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities did not develop during service or within one year of discharge, and are not related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to address whether her diagnosed depressive disorder was aggravated by her service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes. The psychiatric disability claim will also be adjudicated as it is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU issue.