Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current psychiatric disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance (A&A) has been denied as he is not shown to be in need of such care.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is attributable to service. The Board finds that the Veteran incurred a psychiatric disability in service.

The Veteran's mental disorder has not manifested more than occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a depressive disorder have not been met.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file, including obtaining recent treatment records and clarifying a discrepancy in her mental health assessment.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other diagnosed conditions do not permanently preclude him from engaging in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent disability rating, representing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and supported by medical evidence. The other claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure remain pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depression was initially rated at 50% effective October 13, 2010. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 70% for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, incurred in service. The Veteran's claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and chronic paranoid schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and remanded the issue of an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's current diagnosed psychiatric disorders were not incurred in service. The evidence does not show any complaints, symptoms, or diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder during his active duty.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder will be reconsidered.

Service connection is granted for dermatitis of the right leg. The Veteran's current liver cysts are not shown to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder. Service connection for a heart disorder/disorder, to include chest palpitations/pain and a murmur, is denied as there is no evidence of such condition in service or continuity since service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches has been granted, with a current evaluation of 50 percent.