Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for treatment of GERD, a nonservice-connected condition associated with and aggravating her service-connected major depression with anxiety disorder, are authorized as the nearest VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are service-connected due to a confirmed in-service stressor and competent medical evidence linking it to his current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, did not have onset during or within one year of separation from service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder must be denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, was denied. However, the Board found that he has a current diagnosis of depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with PTSD features, which is etiologically related to his in-service stressors.,Service connection was granted for MGUS as it is considered a progression of the Veteran's asymptomatic condition. The Board determined that there is no evidence linking the MGUS to exposure to asbestos or other chemicals during service.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which was incurred as a result of active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's vertigo and psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor proximately due to a service-connected disability. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records prior to August 2006 and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for PTSD will also be expanded to include other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, psychiatric disorders (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), right knee disorder, left knee disorder, GERD with Barrett's esophagus, and hemorrhoids. The appeals are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability did not have onset during active service or within one year of separation for active service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a heart disability was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected psychiatric disability, bipolar disorder with depression. The cause of death was listed as probable cardiac arrhythmia due to an enlarged heart. Given the evidence, including the independent medical evaluation, which concluded that the medications prescribed for his psychiatric condition likely contributed to his death, the Board has granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not proximately caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The cause of death is considered to be suicide.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has not met the criteria for a higher initial rating in excess of 70 percent during the entire initial rating period.

The Board denied service connection for depression and a bilateral hip condition, claiming as arthritis. The evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a follow-up opinion from the November 2009 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a medical opinion on whether the service-connected right wrist disability has aggravated any current psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing corrective notice on how to substantiate PTSD claims and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination at the closest available facility.

For the portion of the appeal period extending from January 25, 2008 to April 6, 2010, the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder have been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,For the portion of the appeal period extending from April 7, 2010 forward, the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.