Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 10 percent since the claim was filed, reflecting moderate difficulty in occupational and social functioning.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic depression and bipolar disorder, did not develop during service or within one year of separation. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran had an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to service.

The Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disorder and left shoulder impingement is granted, but the initial rating for left shoulder impingement remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for panic disorder with moderate agoraphobia, depression, and PTSD was dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to its decision.

The Veteran died due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. At the time of his death, he had service-connected conditions including major depressive disorder, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, chondromalacia of the left knee, and inactive pulmonary tuberculosis. The Board found that these conditions did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and attempting to obtain disability retirement records from the State of California. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are being examined by a VA examiner to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or causal relationship between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, right fourth toe fracture, and postoperative excision of lesion scar of the left chest were denied. The claim for TDIU was not addressed as it is part of a higher rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 1, 2006. The Board has also granted a TDIU prior to August 28, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal and acquired psychiatric disorders are not service-connected, as they were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying a claimed in-service stressor and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must consider the Veteran's in-service treatment for insomnia and his reports of depression or excessive worry.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records, particularly regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and its relationship to his service-connected right leg disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD meets the requirements for a schedular TDIU since September 14, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and alcohol dependence have been granted a 70% disability evaluation effective February 11, 2008. He is also awarded TDIU benefits as of August 15, 2005.