Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a comprehensive VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of his lumbar spine arthritis, as well as reopening of previously denied claims. The appeal is also remanded to obtain SSA records and conduct additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for further development due to inconsistencies in his medical history and diagnoses, as well as potential pre-existing conditions. The case will be returned to the RO for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including benign prostatic hypertrophy, depressive disorder, a lumbar spine disability, polyarthralgias, left and right shoulder disabilities, stomach disability, and skin cancer. The remaining issues on appeal will require additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been restored to a 100% rating, effective February 1, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service dates and stressor events. The Veteran is presumed to have been sound at entry into service but may have developed a psychiatric disability during his military service.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is now being remanded to obtain additional development and medical opinions regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent since June 18, 2004. The Board denied the claim for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records from Dr. Larry Warner.

The Board found no valid diagnosis of PTSD and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, concluding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing depression likely existed prior to her military service and did not undergo a chronic worsening or permanent increase in severity during service. Therefore, she cannot establish service connection for depression.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, are related to his military service. The issue of service connection will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and depressive disorder due to inadequate development, including a need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. His claims for increased ratings and SMC benefits are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, were not shown to be related to his service or any in-service stressor. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA medical records, as well as SSA and private disability records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to determine whether there is evidence of behavior changes in response to an in-service personal assault. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the newly obtained evidence.