Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 27, 2010 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, startle response, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores ranging from 47 to 70. This level of disability warranted a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder is likely to have had its clinical onset during his period of active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and depression, are found to have been incurred in service. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his stressor allegations.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development and examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder have been granted initial evaluations of 50%, 30%, and 70% respectively prior to April 14, 2009. Since then, the evaluations for PTSD and Depression have been increased to 70%. The Veteran's OCD has also been rated at 70% since April 14, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, alcoholism and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to verify in-service stressors and obtain updated VA mental health examination.

The Veteran's current mood disorder is found to be at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for depression and anxiety, which she believes are related to her military service. She also seeks an increased rating for her right carpal tunnel neuropathy. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant's depressive disorder results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's mood disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is currently rated at 30 percent and the appeal seeks an increase in disability rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, left eye disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for service-related PTSD and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral foot disability and sinusitis) have contributed to or aggravated his depression, which is now considered service connected.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's request for vocational rehabilitation training outside the United States was denied as her acceptance into a foreign program did not meet the necessary conditions, and requiring her to pursue training in the United States would cause personal hardship.