Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's depression, hypertension and erectile dysfunction are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was factually ascertainable and granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD as of July 19, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule a VA examination for his depression, and develop the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected TMJ is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the current level of disability and symptomatology. The rating criteria reasonably describe her condition.

The Veteran's diagnosed conditions of PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder are found to be causally related to his in-service military stressors. The Board grants service connection for these psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II is rated at 20 percent, and his depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent. Both conditions are determined to be service-connected based on their merits rather than through a presumption or reopening of claims.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing records and confirming the authenticity of a letter from his captain.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, depression, and pain disorder has been rated at 70 percent since October 25, 2010. The right multiple spontaneous pneumothorax remains rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of hands and arms do not result in loss of use.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and drug use. The Veteran's current mental health conditions are attributed to his active service but also related to other factors such as substance abuse and life stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are found to be related to his combat experiences during service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and psychiatric disability (depression) were not incurred or aggravated during his active service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently evaluated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not show that his symptoms more nearly approximate total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the local RO in Huntington, West Virginia. The issues of service connection and disability ratings are pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and severe depression, are not service connected due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty. The in-service drug use is considered willful misconduct.,Left hip osteoarthritis was not present during service or within one year post-service and is unrelated to service-connected disability. Atherosclerotic vascular calcification was also not present during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression was denied as there is no verified stressor to support the diagnoses.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depression are being remanded for additional development as the current evidence is not sufficient to make a determination on these claims.