Depression Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to October 3, 2005. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression with dysthymic disorder, is related to his military service. The RO must also obtain all outstanding VA medical records and any inpatient/outpatient mental health treatment records from Sewickley Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center.

The veteran's claim for increased rating and total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for additional development of the medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current depressive disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and new and material evidence issues due to additional medical records submitted since the most recent SSOC.

The Board has reopened the claim for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence. The veteran's current diagnoses include dysthymic disorder, major depressive episode, and PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran did not sustain a head injury with loss of consciousness during basic military training, and thus does not have residuals of a head injury. The claims for memory loss, stuttering, sleep disorder, and major depressive disorder were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran claims service connection for his diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, alleging that they were aggravated by events in service. The Board finds the claim requires further development due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of the conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda, stomach ulcers, and depression. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to herbicide exposure in military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including an inguinal hernia, right knee disability, low back disability, right hip disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining unit records to verify stressors and attempting to obtain additional medical evidence. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with residual anemia, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and mood disorder, is related to his service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a personality disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The preexisting conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is required to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder and whether it was clearly and unmistakably aggravated by service. The veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the veteran for an appropriate VA psychiatric examination. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current depression began during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The case is being remanded for further development of the hepatitis C claim, including obtaining a medical opinion to determine its probable etiology. The secondary claims for cirrhosis and depression will be deferred until the hepatitis C claim is resolved.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran did not have organic residuals of exposure to mercury, restless leg syndrome, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) related to service. The claims were denied as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.