Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are related to service in Vietnam. The Veteran's experiences as a clerk and NCO administrative assistant with additional duties as a mail clerk during his time in supply are being considered.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus, a pre-existing condition noted at entrance into service, was not permanently aggravated by service. The claim for an increased rating of dysthymic disorder is remanded as the Veteran has contended his symptoms have worsened since the last VA examination in April 2009.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, has not shown the severity of symptoms required for a higher rating prior to December 15, 2008.

The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD with MDD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is not service-connected as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor. The claim for hepatitis C was also denied due to lack of a verified in-service event.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on several issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including OCD and major depressive disorder, is found to be due to his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and requesting any pertinent Offutt Air Force Base-Ehrling Bergquist Hospital records.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board finds that the Veteran's current erectile dysfunction is etiologically linked to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 70 percent since July 11, 2008. The Board found that the condition resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture and associated conditions meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, with his educational background and work experience preventing him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a cervical spine disability, right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, right arm and left arm disabilities, as well as psychiatric disorder (listed as depression) and COPD, all secondary to service-connected conditions or other causes. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including as secondary to service-connected tinea pedis, is denied because there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorder. The Veteran is scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature, extent of severity, and etiology of any current psychiatric disability affecting him.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his military service. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including fatigue and ulcers, is dismissed as the appeal does not provide additional compensation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to service and grants service connection for this condition.