Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD). The Veteran's current diagnosis includes depression, anxiety, restlessness, and sweating. The decision is based on the fact that no new or material evidence was provided.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, mood disorder, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder. The Board found that these conditions are proximately caused by his service-connected right knee and right ankle disabilities.

The appellant's combined rating is 70 percent with one disabilities rated at 50 percent. The objective and credible medical and other evidence of record preponderates against a finding that the appellant is permanently and totally disabled due to his non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, which he claims are related to his in-service duties at Travis Air Force Base. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder with depression and sleep disorder, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, during active military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, dysthymia, general anxiety disorder and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence without a waiver of consideration by the RO.

The Board found that a psychiatric disorder did not begin during service and is not related to service, thus denying the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of his stressor events.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for major depression and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD with depression and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed.

The Veteran was found to be performing substantial gainful employment from April 2003 until December 29, 2009. The Board denied the claim for a TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The acquired psychiatric disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and her other psychiatric conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and clarification of his Social Security Administration benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse was granted in a July 2011 rating decision. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, which is manifested by symptoms such as depression, irritability, panic attacks, concentration and memory problems, some impairment of relationships with others, reports of suicidal ideation, and difficulty adapting to stressful situations, results in deficiencies in most areas but less than total social and occupational impairment. The criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent have been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death before a decision was made by the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically including his back disability.