Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, were granted service connection based on reopening of the claim with new evidence. Service connection for bilateral cataracts is pending as it was not addressed in this decision. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA records and authorization for additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these disabilities to his period of active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to issues with obtaining SSA records and VA examinations, as well as other procedural matters.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to a complex history of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses, including bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD, depression, and other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and leg/ankle injuries did not manifest within one year of service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to show they existed prior to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, are found to be caused by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders of depression and schizophrenia were not incurred during active service, nor are they caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current diagnoses are related to in-service noise exposure and chronic pain from multiple service-connected disabilities, respectively.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 1, 2001 for the award of a 100% schedular evaluation for the Veteran's PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (mood disorder and depression), but the other conditions were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or depression, that is attributable to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before the RO and to send notification to the correct representative. The Veteran's claims regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), and sleeplessness are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and extent of his psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and the severity of his service-connected left arm shell fragment wound residuals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is incompetent to handle disbursement of VA compensation funds due to her psychiatric condition, but additional evidence suggests a possible change in her competency. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder and ganglion cyst have been found to be related to his active duty service. The left leg disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, acquired psychiatric disorder (Major depressive disorder), sleep apnea, bruxism, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) are not currently shown or related to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at his local RO in Montgomery, Alabama. The Veteran missed an earlier scheduled hearing due to difficulties with service-connected PTSD and has requested another hearing via videoconference.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression and depressive disorder, NOS is being remanded to allow the Veteran to schedule a videoconference hearing with a member of the Board.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and depressive disorder, finding new and material evidence. The effective date of this decision is not specified.