Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to December 6, 2006 and granted a rating of 70 percent from that date onward.

The Veteran's LEMS was not service-connected, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 based on VA's failure to timely diagnose and properly treat LEMS was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus remains November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 19, 2008 and increased to 70 percent from April 1, 2008. The rating is granted for the latter period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected depression is being remanded due to the need for updated VA outpatient treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and panic disorder with depression, were incurred in active service due to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's neuropsychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and/or depression, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected meningitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of a panic disorder with depressive disorder is related to his military service, as it was aggravated by in-service stressors and pre-existed prior to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including obtaining confirmation of specific stressors in service and conducting a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected residuals of a facial fracture. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring further development of the psychiatric claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, a pulmonary disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and verification of stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depression, and adjustment disorder will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and anxiety and panic attacks, as well as his claim for an increased rating for neuropathy of the right foot, require additional development. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder, effective September 22, 2003. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is moot due to the restoration of the higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records from various providers. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA mental disorders examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service and whether he experienced a personal assault during service.