Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depression are rated under the same criteria, resulting in overlapping symptomatology. The Board finds no basis for separate disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a single gunshot wound to the head, and service connection is granted for the cause of his death due to depression and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and related conditions such as anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service stressor of a jeep accident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, a depressive disorder, and alcohol use/dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is now pending.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, along with his bipolar I disorder, resulted in occupational and social impairment during the periods specified. He was granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his claimed stressors are not corroborated by any credible supporting evidence. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, an anxiety disorder other than PTSD, a depressive disorder, a bipolar disorder, a mood disorder other than a depressive or bipolar disorder, an adjustment disorder, and an impulse control disorder, is denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration and VA medical records, as well as any relevant workers' compensation records. The RO will also consider whether VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of her service-connected right ankle strain and abdominal scar.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizo typical personality disorder. The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the current diagnoses are superimposed on the schizo typical personality disorder diagnosed during his military service.

The Veteran's chronic disability exhibited by headaches was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint disability, depression, back pain, and chest pain as there is no competent evidence of a chronic disability in service or related to service. The fibro-osseous lesions are not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder are found to approximate the criteria for a 50 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 20 percent since October 18, 2007, after accounting for the pre-aggravation deduction of 50 percent due to his service-connected right hip condition.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD remains unchanged, and the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder with psychotic features is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic right knee disorder and depression, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he has PTSD or any other mental disorder related to service. The RO will also apply the new regulation regarding PTSD and review the claims file for additional lay statements.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete consideration of his psychiatric disability, including PTSD and other conditions. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.