Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder, is attributable to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, effective January 30, 2007. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms met the criteria for major depressive disorder but did not meet criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to his service-connected PTSD, and he was granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service-connected conditions. The lung disorder is not shown to be directly related to service or service-connected conditions, but may be due to obesity and sleep apnea.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or depression, and the Veteran's conditions are denied as service connection is decided on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression. The appeal is currently remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is found to be caused by a service-connected left knee disability. The reduction from 40 percent to 30 percent for the right ankle disability as of September 1, 2010 is granted.,Prior to September 1, 2010, the Veteran was service-connected for multiple disabilities including his right ankle and left knee disabilities, which rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with alcohol abuse resulted in mild to transient symptoms that decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks during periods of significant stress. The initial disability rating of 10 percent was maintained from August 28, 2006 to March 3, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA and VA records relevant to the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been granted a higher initial disability evaluation of 50 percent, effective from August 4, 2007.

The Veteran's asthma with chest pain and migraine headaches are related to her period of military service, while the remaining claims have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for depression, low back disability, hamstring muscle cramping, sciatica of the left and right lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The TDIU claim is also being considered concurrently.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the etiology of her psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been granted a 100% rating, effective from the date of his claim. The Board also found that he is entitled to service connection for syncope and collapse, rhinitis, acute bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, sleep apnea, and dermatomycosis with pruritus due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the claim as it pertains to this issue. Service connection remains pending for a chronic skin condition of the feet, chest, groin and ears (claimed as tinea corporis).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for depression, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorder. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.