Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were caused or aggravated by a personal assault in service. His allergies pre-existed entry into service and did not permanently increase in severity during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Depressive Disorder not otherwise specified prior to and from May 25, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric and right knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The acquired psychiatric disorder was not related to his period of active service, nor is it etiologically linked to any incident during service. Similarly, there is no evidence linking the right knee disability to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, manifested by depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and thus denied his claim for service connection. His entitlement to nonservice-connected pension benefits was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain medical records and provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, are related to his military service. The low back disability issue is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address service connection for depression as secondary to hepatitis B, a higher initial rating for hepatitis B, and entitlement to TDIU. The claims will be reconsidered in light of all evidence received.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression. The new evidence shows that the appellant currently meets the criteria for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders have been rated based on their severity, with a current evaluation of 50 percent.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is aggravated by his service-connected hernia disability, and the Board finds that this meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for a decision, and ordered that the Veteran's complete VA and private treatment records be obtained. The claim will be reviewed after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder NOS are attributable to her active military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and likely etiology of her current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression do not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to October 2, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD.,Service connection was also denied for hepatitis C and degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, and dementia, are related to his military service. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The appeal for a higher rating or TDIU was denied.

The Board denied the application to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or other acquired psychiatric disorders. The evidence submitted since April 2003 did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim and does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities are of such severity that he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his military service and grants this claim.