Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing SSA records, specifically those of Dr. A.G., an impartial medical expert.

The Veteran's depression is found to be service-connected, and he has a lung disability likely due to asbestos exposure during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder and anxiety are related to his service, specifically his inpatient psychiatric treatment for drug abuse and immature personality during service. As a result, the appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for cervical spine disability, service connection for PTSD, and impotency were denied. The right arm injury claim was reopened but not granted. Service connection for a depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination in order to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to active service.

The Board found that the appellant's current depressive disorder is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including personality disorder, depression, and PTSD. The evidence did not show a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a mental disorder, including anxiety disorder/depression, claustrophobia with alcoholism. The decision was based on the lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is found to be related to his service in Vietnam and the stressors he experienced there. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for right hand disability, back disability, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and depression due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a nexus between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that there is reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression, as his lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of the claimed stressor related to his Gulf War service. The VA examiner diagnosed him with PTSD and linked it to his service experience.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be permanently and chronically aggravated by his service-connected left foot and ankle disabilities, warranting service connection.

The Board found that the appellant did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to January 1, 2006 as he was gainfully employed during this period. Therefore, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's MDD is related to his active military service, specifically his experiences at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding Social Security Administration records and other necessary actions.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are etiologically related to service or herbicide exposure. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. The claims for service connection and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder was incurred during her period of active duty service, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.