Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder, with features of depression, are found to be service-connected.,Service connection for hypertension is not addressed in this decision.

The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's current anxiety and depression are attributed to situational factors rather than in-service events.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran currently has a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that had its onset during his period of active duty military service. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder did not have its onset during service and could not be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The evidence does not support a finding of chronicity of symptoms, as there is no medical record indicating a continuous period of symptomatology since service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and reopened his claims for depression, bipolar disorder, a back injury, and residuals of exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim for substance abuse is also reopened.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression have been found to meet the criteria for a 100 percent schedular rating, which represents total occupational impairment. The claim of entitlement to TDIU has also been granted based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and therefore service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is manifested by deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms like near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances. The disability rating of 70 percent has been granted for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims for PTSD service connection and an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder have been dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a finding that he meets the criteria for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) or a Decision Review Officer (DRO).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the relationship between his service-connected headaches and any current acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining clarification of the Appellant's service dates and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing clarifying opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, head injury with migraines, or PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary in order to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and whether it is related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and a VA general medical examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is secondary to his service-connected bronchial asthma. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current diagnosis, no in-service stressors, and insufficient evidence linking his symptoms to service. The claim for hypertension was also denied as there is no evidence showing it was caused by or related to any service-connected condition.