Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further research on a reported stressor and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has caused total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the appellant's depression and liver disorder were not caused or aggravated by service-connected GERD, as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's psychiatric symptoms, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The back disability issue is addressed in a separate remand.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) as there is no competent evidence that any psychological problems or disorders were incurred during the appellant's period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 1, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically panic disorder with depression (excluding PTSD and bipolar disorder), is now moot as the appellant has died.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues except Parkinson's disease, hypertension, depression, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, respiratory disorder/breathing disorder, vertigo, double vision, and sleep disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia due to new and material evidence submitted since the final September 2005 rating decision. The claim is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a skin disorder of the feet, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his SSA records, schedule him for a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicate the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective January 8, 2009. The VA has granted service connection for this condition but did not increase the rating beyond the initial 30 percent assigned in October 2009.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for PTSD. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but denied service connection on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination, and considering the evidence in its entirety.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records, including Social Security Administration and private treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression and anxiety as secondary to service-connected disability, finding that new evidence supports this claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and polysubstance abuse in remission, finding that new evidence does not establish a current diagnosis related to his active duty service. The claim for reopening the PTSD claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed ASCVD and depression are not related to his active service, and thus cannot be granted as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on combat experience in Vietnam. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and schizoid personality traits, are also considered as part of the appeal.