Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to November 27, 2004 and later granted a higher rating of 50 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD with a major depressive episode is manifested by symptoms that more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including anxiety and depression, hearing loss, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The RO is instructed to obtain SSA records and readjudicate the increased rating claims.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a non-compensable evaluation, effective May 11, 2005. The claim for an increased evaluation for IBS remains pending.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including depression, were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is granted. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met due to a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling another VA orthopedic examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals regarding the issues of service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for anxiety neurosis with depression prior to April 3, 2010, and a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of his psychiatric disability was denied as there is no evidence showing a valid claim prior to February 21, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, knee, skin, psychiatric, and left ankle disabilities were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy was not addressed due to the absence of a specific request.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and agoraphobia has been granted a disability rating of 100 percent, the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, shortness of breath, tinea pedis, and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded this case for a hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge due to the judge conducting the initial hearing no longer being employed by the Board.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 4, 2007. From January 4, 2007 through July 17, 2008, the Veteran had occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to his major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a supplemental opinion from the November 2007 VA examiner. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.