Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as anxiety disorder with major depression, was incurred in active service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including depression and PTSD, are not etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine scoliosis is related to her period of active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues regarding initial increased disability ratings for MDD prior to March 28, 2007; thoracic spine dextroscoliosis prior to September 26, 2003; and bilateral knee retropatellar pain syndrome have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically depression. The Veteran's claim is currently in a state of pending appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, specifically depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder, are not related to her service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD have been granted. The claim to reopen a low back disability has also been reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of both feet, as well as increased ratings for his hallux valgus conditions. The decision found that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD due to insufficient supporting stressors. Service connection was granted on a new and material evidence basis for the psychiatric disability (major depression).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of all periods of active service, obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has requested a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and is remanding the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying in-service stressors. A psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's Type II Diabetes Mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during his service in Vietnam due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, depression, ED, sleep disorder, fatigue, and lightheadedness are also granted as secondary to the diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with examinations to assess his service-connected right ankle disability, scars, and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent, effective March 5, 2007. The Board found that the disability picture did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to scheduling issues and incomplete documentation.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2009 and has been rated at 70 percent since that date.,Effective October 22, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and the possible need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's anxiety, depression, and insomnia were incurred during active duty for training and are related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, are not service-connected due to lack of credible evidence linking his symptoms directly to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is not related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities and did not have onset during service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.