Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been manifested by feelings of depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, mild memory loss, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. As of October 19, 2004, the criteria for an evaluation of 30 percent have been met.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma and an increased evaluation for HIV antibody positive with major depressive disorder and panic disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

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

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders present, including whether they are related to service or pre-existed service. The claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance will be deferred until this development is complete.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability as secondary to nicotine dependence, and for gastrointestinal and irritable bowel syndrome disabilities. The claim for a higher initial rating for allergic rhinitis was also denied.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD or depression, that was incurred in or aggravated by military service. His reported stressors were not verified and he did not participate in combat.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision found that a current diagnosis of PTSD was not established and that there was no evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a new opinion regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, that is service-connected. The evidence did not support a finding that his claimed conditions were incurred in active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for a major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer. The initial rating of 10 percent for fracture of the distal second and fourth metacarpal of the left hand remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to address his claims of service connection for depression and increased evaluation for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing, and no rating decision or effective date is provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence material to her original claim, as well as other issues related to her psychiatric disorders. The VA examiner will provide an opinion regarding whether any preexisting psychiatric disorder might have been aggravated by in-service assault.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on November 12, 2009 due to the availability and accessibility of VA facilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for memory loss, fatigue, and depression as well as arthralgia/joint pain. The appeal is about reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not engage in combat and there is no evidence of a psychosis. The current depression is not related to active duty, nor are symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, service connection for both conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing notice regarding how to substantiate a claim for PTSD based on personal assault and attempting to corroborate the Veteran's claimed stressors through the appropriate channels.