Depression decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder with anxiety, did not have its clinical onset during service or until several years thereafter. As a result of the Veteran's failure to report for VA examination as directed in the Board's January 2013 remand, there is no competent medical evidence showing any causal relationship between his military service and his current psychiatric condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The issue of whether service connection is warranted remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, originated in service and granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for narcolepsy and found that the appellant's pre-existing disability manifested by narcolepsy was aggravated during his period of active duty for training. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA opinion to address whether the Veteran's suicide was caused by his use of Methadone prescribed by VA, and if so, whether it was due to negligence or lack of proper skill on the part of VA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms are related to his military service. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2010 VA examination report. A new examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected psychiatric and right knee disabilities, which prevent him from performing activities of daily living without assistance.

The Veteran's back disability has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to December 30, 2011 and as 40 percent disabling after that date. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the period prior to June 5, 2012 and a 70 percent rating beginning on that date. The left knee DJD condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression, which developed during service and was linked to his substance abuse problems, contributed substantially or materially to his death by asphyxiation (suicide). Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was initially granted and rated at 30 percent effective April 21, 2009. The rating was increased to 50 percent as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 4, 2011. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for this condition.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but due to mixed results on some issues, a clear disposition could not be determined.

The Veteran's chronic otalgia and major depressive disorder are found to be related to her service-connected TMJ dysfunction.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and is now considering whether new evidence supports a finding that he experienced an in-service stressor related to a helicopter crash. The Veteran's depression may also be considered, as it could be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been granted a 10 percent disability rating effective April 11, 2013. Service connection for depression was also granted on the basis of new and material evidence.