Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including a VA orthopedic examination and nexus opinion. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the outcome of the chronic back disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an unemployability opinion and ensuring that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered in combination when determining if they preclude gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent prior to September 13, 2011. The rating has been granted but the Veteran seeks a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for clarification of the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses and their relationship to his military service. The case will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, including difficulty with relationships, work performance, and daily activities. The symptoms have been present since his return from Iraq.

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

The Board is reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, but remanding it along with the other remaining claim due to further development and consideration. The Veteran's stressor in service may have involved drowning deaths of two friends while serving aboard the U.S.S. Chicago.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.,The Veteran's hearing loss claim will be remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim will be remanded as his in-service combat experience needs clarification.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, is proximately caused by his service-connected right knee and left ankle disabilities. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for cognitive disorder, depression and anxiety, cerebrovascular accident with right hand tremor, headaches, and bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's in-service stressors have been conceded, and a private physician has provided evidence that supports the Veteran's claim. As such, the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) is rated at 50 percent, and service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), secondary to her service-connected thumb condition, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, SSA records, and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnoses, is related to his service. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice, particularly for PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, will be reconsidered.