Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (depression, anxiety, PTSD), and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted, as the current effective date (December 27, 2011) has already been assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, as well as his reopenings of claims for acquired psychiatric disabilities, forehead lacerations, and right knee disabilities have been considered. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received to support these reopened claims.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to clarify whether the Veteran currently has an anxiety disorder and to provide a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his major depression.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and an increased rating for depressive disorder. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's depression began during service and has continued since, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and other conditions. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression secondary to other service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and unclear nature of the Veteran's psychiatric diagnosis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and urethral problems. The medical evidence is at least in equipoise with regard to a showing of an etiological relationship between the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability and her service-connected removal of the uterus and both ovaries, as well as her current urethral problems.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting an initial rating of 100 percent for the entire appeal period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and MDD. The Veteran was treated for mental health issues during his time in Panama and continues to receive treatment for these conditions post-service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his current psychiatric disorders, which the Board has remanded due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is attributable to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for PTSD. However, there is insufficient credible supporting evidence to corroborate his claimed in-service stressors, and the weight of the evidence is against a finding that his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is caused by his service-connected Meniere's syndrome and epididymis, which have resulted in significant isolation and anxiety.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed. Service connection for major depressive disorder and cervical spine disability are granted, with hearing loss not reopened due to lack of new evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, are found to be related to his military service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.