Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. The claim for entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a more current VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is aggravated by her service-connected right ankle disability, and an initial rating of 20 percent for the right ankle sprain is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal will be returned to the RO after the scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg disorder, headaches, and psychiatric disorder (depression) are not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent prior to November 8, 2011 and 50 percent beginning from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since March 23, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 24, 2008 did not prevent him from seeking, gaining, or maintaining meaningful employment.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the Veteran's social phobia and related psychiatric disabilities, effective from October 17, 2012. The claim for PTSD service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, and the Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined with other issues. The case is therefore REMANDED to schedule a videoconference hearing before the undersigned VLJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his service in Vietnam and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The issues of epileptogenic cerebral dysfunction and peripheral artery disease, bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder has been medically linked to service, and the Board finds that with resolution of reasonable doubt in the appellant's favor, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 11, 2013. The rating is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and psoriasis. The evidence received since the last denial indicates that the Veteran may have developed a skin condition related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. However, the claim remains pending as further development is required.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD as a result of his military service and found no evidence to support a diagnosis of major depressive disorder related to service. The Board therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The Veteran maintains employment and social relationships, which preclude a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, COPD, and depressive disorder have been denied as there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for bronchitis. The Board also found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of COPD and depressive disorder are not related to his active military service.