Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to September 9, 2010. Effective from September 9, 2010, the Veteran is rated at 100 percent for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for his dependent child, N.P.S., is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he submitted information regarding his dependents prior to November 22, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of depressive disorder with anxiety and neuralgia paresthetica of the bilateral thighs, finding that the earliest date of claim was May 20, 1996.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, to include secondary depressive disorder, is granted as it meets the criteria for service connection based on a verified in-service stressor and competent medical evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to such stressor.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as depression and schizophrenia, were incurred during active service due to symptoms experienced in 1970. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Central State Hospital records. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder found to be present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of expanded issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include anxiety and depression. The claims for low back strain with arthritis and a left arm residual scar of a gunshot wound were also denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder can be decided. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, providing VCAA notice, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification, including addressing new theories of entitlement such as personal assault and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar strain claim was not granted, as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine between 30 and 60 degrees or a combined range of motion less than 120 degrees. For the knee disability, prior to April 9, 2010, there were no compensable symptoms; from that date, the Veteran's left knee had flexion to at least 135 degrees with pain. Service connection was granted for PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and additional development, including a new VA examination, is needed to adjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right eye disability was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for this condition based on evidence linking it to Agent Orange exposure or as secondary to other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The RO/AMC will review this new evidence and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, diagnosed as a result of service, meets the criteria for service connection. The initial evaluations for gouty arthritis of the left knee and right foot remain unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by total occupational and social impairment, due to panic-like symptoms, irritability, social isolation, poor concentration, and severe depression. The Board grants a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD prior to July 18, 2011.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to his request for withdrawal of these claims prior to a decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to fully adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. This includes obtaining additional VA treatment records, verifying the in-service stressor, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is manifested by severe symptoms that interfere with her ability to establish and maintain effective work and social relationships, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.