Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, depression, diabetes mellitus type II with peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service. The conditions are also not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of her claims file.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service traumatic event for PTSD and determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and specific phobia (situational type) have been granted, but the hypertension claim remains pending. The initial rating for the psychiatric disability is now 70 percent effective from March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, depression, and tinnitus) meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with secondary depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to October 8, 2009, due to significant psychiatric symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evaluations and lack of corroboration for in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after obtaining additional information and evidence.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. His other psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, were present prior to his service and are not considered aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD are all service-connected as they were incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD prevents him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, which is the basis for his TDIU claim. The Board finds that the evidence shows significant social dysfunction and mental challenges due to PTSD, leading to a finding in favor of granting TDIU.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration and VA outpatient clinic records.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, which the Board finds is related to his military service due to perceived discrimination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right knee disability, hearing loss of the right ear, and tinnitus. The issues were found to be not supported by clear and unmistakable evidence that the conditions preexisted service or were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder caused total occupational and social impairment from April 9, 2009 through May 10, 2011. The maximum rating of 100 percent has been granted.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The case is now remanded to determine if the Veteran has any acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of his period of service, including PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fibromyalgia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include bipolar disorder or depression) as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing a preexisting condition that worsened during service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient nexus opinions to establish direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and dysthymia, but found that the Veteran's low back disorder and headaches are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and a right knee disorder. The claim to reopen the low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection was not granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder or the right knee disorder as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Depression. The new evidence submitted includes diagnoses of PTSD from VA staff psychiatrists and a social worker, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.