Depression Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation that would support service connection for major depressive disorder and sleep disorder. The Veteran's statements were deemed not credible due to the long period without treatment following separation from active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for additional examination. The Veteran's claims for depression and headaches are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling since March 5, 1999. The Board has granted a higher initial rating for the period from July 27, 1993 to March 5, 1999.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for depression. The case is being remanded for additional development and adjudication on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include depression, cervical spine strain, traumatic injury to the lumbosacral spine with strain, post-traumatic right supraorbital neuropathy, and visual field defect of the right eye with glaucoma, have been rated based on their individual effects. The combined rating is 80 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), low back disability, concussion, and depression. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran incurred a psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder) during her military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with depression is granted due to the positive medical opinion supporting a link between his diagnosed medical stressor and his diagnosed PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a depressive disorder, is related to his service and has been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including delusional disorder and depression, is related to his service due to a continuity of symptoms within one year of discharge. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including major depression, dysthymia, anxiety disorder, and conversion disorder, are causally related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's major depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. Additionally, the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with left fibrous pleurisy, and secondary respiratory conditions. Accrued benefits are granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. However, the case is remanded to obtain further information regarding the claimed stressors in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with major depression did not cause or contribute to his death, and there was no evidence linking coronary artery disease to active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and recurrent major depressive disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to unclear diagnoses and the need for further development, including verification of stressors and examination by a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder with depression, and panic attacks, is being remanded due to inadequate development of the facts.