Depression decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities (allergies, generalized anxiety disorder, hypertension, major depression, IBS, and chronic sleep disability) are not causally related to or aggravated by her service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen her claim for service connection for tinnitus and found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during active military service or continuity of symptomatology. The Board also found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, to include depression, is not related to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete opinions and need for clarification of diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, nightmares, and trouble sleeping is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to issues related to service connection for psychiatric conditions, diabetes, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as its impact on employment. The Veteran's claims for service connection and pension are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for tinea pedis has been withdrawn. The Board finds that service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, social phobia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Service connection is also granted for insomnia, with the condition being secondary to service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with depression has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and considering whether staged ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression and anxiety (for accrued benefits purposes) were denied. However, service connection was granted for schizophrenia (for accrued benefits purposes).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are not service-connected as there is no evidence of an in-service stressor that could support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded for further development, including securing Vet Center treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disability (depression), a foot disability, a skin disability, and a post-operative residual scar from excision of melanoma. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board finds that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective February 11, 2010. The Board has determined that a higher rating for the service-connected post-operative residuals of the right ankle fracture on an extra-schedular basis is not warranted.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and panic disorder to his active duty service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The case will be reviewed after further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder is currently pending before the Board. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her service-connected migraine and tension headaches was denied as the evidence did not show that her condition warranted a higher rating.