Depression decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sacrum strain disability, thoracic strain disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder), and seizure disorder. The evidence submitted since the last final denial does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as mood disorder and depression, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a diagnosis of chronic PTSD related to an incident during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders and TBI.

The Veteran's PTSD associated with panic attacks, depression, and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are representative of reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and cognitive impairment. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's conditions are caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the submission of new evidence without a waiver, and because the issues are intertwined. The case will be reconsidered after all relevant records have been obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is at least as likely as not caused by military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and GAD has been rated at 50 percent since October 31, 2006. The Board finds that a higher initial rating of 70 percent is warranted for this disability.

The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from November 20, 2006 to July 17, 2008. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted effective July 18, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive and anxiety disorders are as likely as not related to his active military service, including a family health emergency during his deployment in the Philippines.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection claims and rating disputes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding his claimed personal assault during service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected testicular disability, effective December 28, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychosis NOS, which is an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are deemed to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.