Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on January 23, 2011, were not for a medical emergency of such nature that delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous to his health. VA facilities were feasibly available at the time and he did not seek preauthorization from VA.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% since June 3, 2004. His tinnitus is service-connected and rated as secondary to his hypothyroidism. The Veteran's bronchitis is not compensable but warrants a rating of 100%. Other conditions are either not shown or do not warrant increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to address the presence and etiology of all psychiatric disorders other than PTSD present in the Veteran. The appeal will be REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds that his acquired psychiatric disability is less likely than not related to service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is aggravated by his service-connected low back disability, and therefore grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS, as well as tinnitus. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, depression, and migraine headaches are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, personality disorder, and PTSD) were granted. Service connection was denied for residuals of a traumatic brain injury.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining verification of service records and VA medical records. The Veteran's claim will be re-adjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with secondary depression and anxiety, shell fragment wound, right chest, and malaria, combine to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety has been rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of claim. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), mood disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability and whether any such disability was incurred in service.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), and adjustment disorder, which he claims as bipolar disorder. The case has been remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the relationship between medications prescribed for hepatitis C and his claimed psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further proceedings consistent with the Court's decision in Clemons v. Shinseki, and additional development is needed including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. K.D., service personnel records, and any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for anxiety disorder with depression and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his employment records.

The Board has determined that the appellant's pre-service psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, was aggravated during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has found the previous VA psychiatric examinations inadequate and has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his military service.