Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, glaucoma, back disability (scoliosis), foot disability (pes planus), and primary insomnia (depression). The decision also noted that there was no current evidence of a sinus disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders, back disorder, Dupuytren's contractures of both hands, breathing disorder, dysphagia, headaches, leg and foot disorders, as well as liver disorder. The highest rating assigned was 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than depression and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to August 11, 2010 for service connection of migraine headaches and major depressive disorder are denied as there is no earlier date of claim or entitlement.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia, are being evaluated in relation to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as secondary to service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Veteran's preexisting conditions need to be evaluated in accordance with Wagner v. Principi.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a mental health examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including verification of periods of federalized service and stressor events. The Veteran's claims for PTSD with depression, erectile dysfunction, and voiding dysfunction are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on his claimed in-service stressor and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective October 20, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete evidence and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the current severity of her service-connected back disability and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to her active service or aggravated by her service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is etiologically related to his non-combat experiences during active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, as his in-service stressor is considered credible and related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The claim for a back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, are found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. However, there is no evidence of a current disability manifested by low blood pressure during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and a sleep disorder. The Veteran's service personnel records may also need to be obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are all service-connected. The decision is based on credible evidence of current disabilities and a link to service.

The Board has expanded the issue on appeal to include entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The Veteran claims service connection for anxiety and depression as secondary to his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, cystic acne, and epidermal inclusions. He also claims service connection for PTSD based on a reported in-service personal assault. Additional development is needed to verify the stressor event and obtain relevant records.