Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD are also being addressed.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for clarification of the relationship between the Veteran's in-service stressor and her current depressive disorder. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, depression, and bilateral leg disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims for secondary service connection have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's account of in-service military sexual trauma is credible, and she is granted service connection for PTSD as a result.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded due to the need for a more detailed examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and notification of the Veteran's right to a hearing on his claim for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as his acquired psychiatric disorder did not have its onset during service, was not manifested to a compensable degree within one year from separation, and is unrelated to an injury or disease of service origin.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and drug sensitivity as secondary to fibromyalgia or an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including review of her service treatment records and private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right and left knee disabilities, as well as a rating higher than 50 percent for her major depressive disorder, were denied by the Board.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was withdrawn. For migraines, a rating of 50 percent is granted effective January 26, 2012. For major depressive disorder associated with lumbar spine strain, a rating of 50 percent is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, psychosis and anxiety was denied. The issue of service connection for arthritis was also denied.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim for residuals of a back injury was granted. Service connection for the condition was also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, is related to an inservice personal assault. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the withdrawal of an appeal for asthma by the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, syncope, and migraines. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD that is related to her military service. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses are more likely due to stressors occurring after service, such as family issues and financial difficulties.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need to verify an in-service stressor and obtain his complete personnel file. A VA psychiatric examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD with major depressive disorder and obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD met the criteria for a 50 percent rating as of June 18, 2009. The effective date is set at this time.