Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depressive disorder, left knee disorder, and urinary incontinence as secondary to his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-5 with bilateral radiculopathies.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability found to be present, including obsessive compulsive disorder. The case will be returned for further review after this additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. However, the case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA mental disorders examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and compliance with previous remand directives, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's alcohol and/or substance abuse is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms as described in the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of her requested increases or establishing service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors.

The Board finds that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, which was incurred during active service and aggravated by alcohol abuse, substantially contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need to verify his participation in animal or human trials during his period of active service and to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence obtained and for a clarification of medical opinion regarding service connection for various psychiatric disorders.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been received. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with this issue, so it must be remanded as well.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that his currently diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to ongoing health concerns rather than his period of active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's vertigo is found to be service-connected. However, the initial increased rating for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder from May 8, 2007 to June 24, 2008 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and right ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO due to a scheduling issue for a hearing and missing DD-214. Service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.