Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for anxiety and depression resulting from a surgical error in January 2009, but the claim must be remanded to obtain an opinion on whether these conditions are related to the surgery.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his depressive disorder NOS is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed depression is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA opinion on the impact of his service-connected PTSD on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of head trauma, a heart disorder, an increased rating for major depressive disorder, and an increased rating for gastritis and headaches. The claim for TDIU was also addressed but not adjudicated as it is related to another issue.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the initial ratings of PTSD and depression, as well as prostate cancer prior to July 28, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression and mood disorder, secondary to his spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the claim. His right hip disability remains rated at 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's depression is found to be proximately caused by his service-connected schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, resulting in a grant of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and scheduling VA examinations to address the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, which are related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's tuberculosis is being reviewed for service connection, and the secondary conditions of hypertension, peyronie's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, skin condition, and depression are dependent on the outcome of this review.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including sinus disorder, respiratory disability, acquired psychiatric disability, headache disorder, hypertension, and colon condition or GERD.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for any psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment from March 26, 2002 to January 4, 2007, warranting a 100 percent rating.