Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA and Vet Center records, including those from the Veteran's period of service. The case will be remanded for further review after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), did not begin during or was otherwise caused by military service. The Board found no evidence of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder was increased to a 70 percent evaluation effective May 21, 2012. Prior to that date, the disability had not met criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA medical records and to schedule a psychiatric examination to determine the nature of his current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded to obtain additional medical records, verify stressors, conduct examinations, and determine appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis. The claim for service connection for dental trauma to tooth number 10 was granted.

The Veteran's psychological disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, have been characterized by significant occupational and social impairment warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate and distinct diagnosis of depression, as his symptoms are part of his service-connected dysthymic disorder. Therefore, he is denied service connection for depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder, including PTSD, major depression, anxiety, and schizoid personality is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder or polyarthritis, and denied both claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for depressive disorder cannot be granted as it is not supported by evidence of record. The RO denied service connection for depression in a June 1972 rating decision, and no new and material evidence was received within one year after this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to personal assault is being remanded as additional evidence and a VA examination are needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have confirmed exposure to herbicides in service, and there is no evidence linking any of his claimed conditions to military service or to any incident therein. As such, service connection for all claims is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The issue was remanded by the Court and returned to the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression, did not have their clinical onset in service and are not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, arranging a VA examination, and considering newly submitted evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and depression began in service and have continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the credibility of the Veteran's alleged stressor events and to verify if he served at the DMZ. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his psychiatric disabilities.