Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD based on in-service stressors and to clarify conflicting medical evidence. Updated VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, did not have onset in service or was caused by his active military service, to include his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to his active duty service, including a fear of hostile military activity in Korea.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, that had onset in service or was caused by his active military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including depression. The Veteran's depression is found to be incurred in service and therefore service connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD, Depressive Disorder NOS, and Psychoneurosis in remission was denied as the evidence did not meet the severity criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder, NOS, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service stressors and service-connected diabetes.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a depressive disorder not otherwise specified, and tinnitus. The Veteran's experiences during his tours in Iraq are found to be consistent with 'fear of hostile military or terrorist activity' as defined by VA regulations, thus meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder, is granted service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran has major depression that is likely the result of disease that began during active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an examination, as well as obtaining additional records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 15, 2011 for the increase to 30 percent disability for pes planus was granted. The effective date is set at February 18, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder. Initial ratings greater than 10 percent are not warranted for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The symptoms described align with the criteria for a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorders have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU from November 18, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression, was incurred in or is otherwise related to her active service and has granted this claim.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum opinion from the May 2010 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and/or depression. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is at least as likely as not related to his service or a pre-existing condition. Service connection for these conditions is granted.