Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for cervical strain (neck disability) cannot be earlier than September 9, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder NOS, and depressive disorder NOS, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an examination and determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder with dysthymia and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent before November 22, 2011. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating and granted the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for major depressive disorder and sleep apnea, as well as the claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran will need further examination to determine if his current conditions are related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, finding it related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left knee disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining information about the program administered by Alpha Omega Veterans Services and providing etiological opinions regarding the onset of his left knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder that is related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to verify her claimed stressors and obtain a new VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with alcohol dependence is not service connected, as his psychosis was not diagnosed within one year of discharge and no new evidence has been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim. The Board also noted uncertainty regarding whether different symptoms are due to PTSD or other diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and proper notice regarding the inferred claim for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from Workers' Compensation and VA medical records, as well as a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is not related to his military service or his service-connected lumbar disabilities, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The disability is characterized by significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as his Axis I diagnoses are found to be the result of his own willful misconduct.

The Board denied the appellant's claims to reopen his service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for service connection for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The Board found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.