Depression decisions — 2014

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety and depression was denied as there is no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal for higher ratings for his acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression). The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss requires further development before being decided on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee ITBS, finding that the Veteran's in-service diagnoses of ITBS are sufficient to satisfy the criteria for a current disability. Service connection is also granted for her lower back condition as related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, now diagnosed as PTSD and depressive disorder, resulted in reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as impairment of memory; disturbances of motivation and mood; and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. The Board found that the evidence supported a 50 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to new evidence received after the December 2012 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and recurrent major depression, as well as a TDIU rating, were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder and his alcohol dependence is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected psychiatric and pes planus disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, which was previously denied in May 1996. The Veteran's statements and additional medical records do not provide sufficient new information to substantiate his claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased depression rating and TDIU prior to April 4, 2012 are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, bilateral hearing loss and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for depression, Type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis of the left knee and right knee, but his initial ratings were assigned at 10%, 20%, 0% and 0% respectively.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression, is being remanded due to the inextricability of the new appeals filed.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression, finding no credible evidence of the claimed stressors. The Veteran's contentions were not supported by sufficient medical or lay evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a travel board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's not otherwise specified depressive disorder is service-connected as it originated during his active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The hearing loss disability of the right ear was not aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depressive disorder, and his claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right clavicle fracture with degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder are being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and the severity of his PTSD and depression. The claims are also being considered in light of any new evidence or changes in the Veteran's condition.