Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's tinnitus claim will be evaluated based on noise exposure, while his PTSD with depression claim may require verification of a stressor event.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and finds that he has depressive disorder NOS and anxiety disorder NOS which are as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral ankle disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied. The Board found no credible evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied in a September 2008 rating decision. The Board has now remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and ensure full consideration of the Veteran's appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his active military service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The issue of hepatitis has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial in May 1991.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at BMC on December 14, 2009 are eligible for reimbursement as the treatment was necessary due to a non-service-connected condition and other conditions did not preclude such treatment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and a PTSD examination. The Veteran's service connection claim remains on hold.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, alcohol dependence sustained full remission, and PTSD are shown to have resulted in deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking and mood; total social and occupational impairment is not demonstrated. The Veteran is currently assigned a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted it on a secondary basis to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran has been granted a TDIU rating due to his service-connected depression and Crohn's disease, which prevent him from securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and bipolar disorder. The new evidence received since the October 2009 rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating this claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is currently rated at 30 percent disabling since May 5, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and left eye injury with macular scar, do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was denied, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability due to kidney stone surgery in October 2008 was also denied.

The Veteran requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) and withdrew his request for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder. The issue is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and a left knee disability, finding that new evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression was granted. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues of increased ratings for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with history of adjustment disorder, as well as TDIU, are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected left shoulder surgery and tinnitus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including verification of service dates and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.