Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is manifested by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, estrangement and detachment from others, suspiciousness, irritability or outbursts of anger, exaggerated startled response, difficulty concentrating, and hypervigilance. For the entire appeal period, the criteria for an initial 70 percent rating are met.

The Board found that a chronic acquired psychiatric disability was not manifested in service, and no connection between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his military service has been established.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a personal hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's depression was found to be manifested by symptoms consistent with reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for depression prior to July 26, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional VA opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or a link to military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, specifically anxiety and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, as determined by the RO. The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for further examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 14, 2013. Prior to that date, he was granted a rating in excess of 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since December 13, 2006. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as memory and concentration problems, near-continuous anxiety, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of service connection for positive tuberculosis (TB) test/carrier was withdrawn prior to a decision being made. The Board is dismissing this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and a depressive disorder. The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a comprehensive psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, dysthymic disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's depression is not service-connected as secondary to his infraumbilical midline scar, and there is no evidence of additional disability resulting from VA treatment. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for depression was also denied.