Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder with PTSD features, has been rated at 70 percent since January 24, 2011. The TDIU benefit was also granted effective from that date.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active military service or periods of ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his head injuries during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for dyshidrotic eczema was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder), and a disability of the female reproductive system. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional development regarding the stressor allegations.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now subject to further development on its merits.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and residuals of surgery to correct Poland's syndrome. This includes obtaining Social Security Administration records, VA treatment records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 2004. The VA examiner found that the condition causes significant impairment in occupational and social functioning, but not to a level warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine her employability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and service connection for her psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder) is granted. The rating for the lumbar spine disability remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private treatment records. The Veteran's depression claim is being reopened as new evidence was submitted. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, which he attributes to a helicopter crash during his military service in Korea. The Board has ordered additional development of the claim due to new information provided by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current depression is as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression and anxiety disorder. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders found to be present, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's head injury residuals are service-connected and her acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is also service-connected based on direct evidence of a link between current symptoms and in-service events.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions due to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, knee and shoulder injuries, and a stomach disability. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, effective October 7, 2007. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD was granted, effective from the date of the grant. The Veteran also received service connection for all acquired psychiatric disabilities in addition to PTSD.

The Veteran's depression, headaches, TMJ syndrome, and hemorrhoids have been rated based on their severity. The total hysterectomy is rated at the maximum available rating of 50 percent.