Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) was denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other potential causative factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and additional medical opinions.

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

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted. The initial compensable evaluation for asthma disability was assigned prior to May 16, 2007, and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent was assigned from May 16, 2007, to April 12, 2012, with a subsequent increase to 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the appellant's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for such a claim due to her pre-existing conditions and lack of in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent rating prior to December 5, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicating the claim of service connection for depression secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, but not for a low back condition. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and traumatic brain injury with memory loss, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, prostate cancer residuals, and other conditions, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety and PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to hospitalization and police intervention. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate for different time periods.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development regarding the credibility of the Veteran's stressor accounts and the need for a new psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, depression and dysthymia are related to his in-service jeep accident, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that Parkinson's disease did not manifest in service and is unrelated to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation or asbestos. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, MDD, anxiety disorder, and depression is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.