Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, characterized as anxiety and depression, was permanently aggravated by her service-connected hysterectomy. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD or depression. However, the Veteran's skin disability is found to be related to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD based on new and material evidence. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability, cardiovascular disability, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error and will provide an opportunity for the Veteran to present testimony at a hearing before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD. The initial noncompensable rating assigned for healed laceration with scar of the left hand is maintained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying a stressor event during service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU. The RO has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective October 18, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to August 30, 2013. The symptoms are characterized by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, had its onset in service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining Social Security disability records and issuing a statement of the case regarding her PTSD rating. The service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains on hold until it can be adjudicated properly.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed in-service stressor involving an F-105 jet crash, and for obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and acute stress reaction, or a digestive disorder. The claim was denied as there is insufficient credible and competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression and PTSD, has been reopened. His pseudofolliculitis barbae is now rated at 60% effective March 6, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder was granted, with an initial rating of 30 percent effective November 26, 2008. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The appeal is based on a diagnosis of PTSD and other related conditions but no direct evidence linking these conditions to service was provided.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 13, 2009 and increased to 70 percent after that date. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective from April 7, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding the history and etiology of his current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by depression, alcohol abuse, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, decreased energy, hypervigilance, angry outbursts, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, exaggerated startle response, irritable affect, and impaired concentration. The Board denied the claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from April 18, 2012 onwards.