Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for her PTSD and depressive disorder NOS is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to attend to the necessary activities of daily living, and he is able to care for himself and his environment. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA and VA records, scheduling a new VA examination of his depressive disorder, and further adjudication.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions were not related to her military service or events therein, and denied all claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's depressive and anxiety disorder had its onset during service, resolving all doubts in her favor. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.,Service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities (thoracolumbar spine, right knee, left knee, bilateral shoulder) is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a right knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for depression and osteoarthritis of the right knee, as well as his claim for TDIU, are all granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining outstanding private and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after all requested actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues are whether his acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, and sleep apnea are related to service or diabetes.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD are all related to his in-service stressors during World War II.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling conflict for the Veteran's requested personal hearing. The only issue remaining is whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected grand mal convulsive disorder, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending and will be remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and to determine if it is possible to separate the effects of his service-connected PTSD from his nonservice-connected depressive disorder NOS. Outstanding VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are credible and consistent with his service, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to determine if any psychiatric illness he currently suffers from had its onset during his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric symptoms due to undiagnosed illness are manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment thinking, and mood. The VA has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for these symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The issue was initially about PTSD but was recharacterized as one for service connection for a psychiatric disability to include other diagnosed conditions.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional development. You will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, are related to his service-connected panic disorder without agoraphobia.