Depression Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and review. The hepatitis C claim is also being remanded as VA must obtain a medical opinion or provide an examination to properly adjudicate this issue.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder to include anxiety, residuals of rubella, right ankle disability, and left shoulder disability were all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,VA did not provide a VA examination in response to the veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The veteran's service-connected asbestosis is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, and the Board grants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to his service-connected GERD.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and opinions regarding the relationship between his current mental health problems and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum from a VA orthopedic examiner and a neuropsychiatric examination. The AMC/RO must also verify the veteran's service records, obtain SSA records if applicable, and determine if a VA social and industrial survey is warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and service personnel records.

The Board found that the veteran's depression does not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his request for an increased evaluation. The current disability rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records and lack of development regarding specific incidents.

The veteran's claim for service connection for major depression and eligibility for VA dental treatment was denied. The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation services due to employment handicap was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted, but he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his other service-connected disabilities and employment status.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection for a laminectomy of L4-5 and L5-S1, as well as chronic depression secondary to his right knee disability. The claim for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella and degenerative joint disease of the right knee was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice regarding service connection for PTSD based on personal assault and new and material evidence requirements.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine whether the veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety/panic disorder and PTSD, and if so, whether it is related to service. The RO must also attempt to verify any in-service stressor events.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected depressive disorder, and for additional development of his claims file.

The veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 30 percent since November 11, 2003. The VA examiner found the veteran to have moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (chronic low back pain syndrome, major depression, and tinnitus) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left wrist disorder, and right wrist disorder. The heart disorder claim is pending as the evidence does not establish its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for manic depression and paranoid schizophrenia due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions. The veteran is required to provide additional medical records, including those related to his Social Security Disability benefits.