Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his brain injury/cerebral anoxia was denied. However, the effective date of his 100% disability rating for major depressive disorder was granted earlier than November 24, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records related to the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's death was determined to be service-connected due to dementia and depression, which were found to have been caused by or contributed substantially to his death. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as the cause of death has already been established.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder are related to an in-service personal assault. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 26, 2008 for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The evidence did not show total occupational impairment.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 30, 2007 for service connection of TBI was denied. There is no indication that the Veteran submitted a formal or informal claim before this date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s), and considering the updated version of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify whether the Veteran sustained an in-service sexual assault and if so, whether he currently suffers from PTSD related to that incident. Additionally, further examination is required to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders and chronic pain syndrome or depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, is at least as likely as not incurred during his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, cognitive impairment and memory difficulties due to a traumatic brain injury, migraines, neck disability, and back disability. Service connection was not established for GERD or hearing loss.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. The Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service and his claimed stressor was not verified.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia was denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current disability that manifested during or as a result of his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disabilities were not caused by VA treatment, and thus denied his claims under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar myositis. The case is remanded for further development and a new VA examination.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and to reopen his claim for low back disability. The decision is final as it pertained to the original denial of service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of hepatitis C, migraine headaches, a disability manifested by memory loss, a disability manifested by insomnia, a major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.