Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, was incurred in active service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2012 to February 18, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU effective from April 1, 2012.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for anxiety disorder, NOS, prior to June 1, 2011, and in excess of 50 percent from then on; service connection for PTSD; service connection for depression; service connection for bilateral hearing loss; and service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The outcome of these actions could affect both the initial rating claim and the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. He has requested that the hearing be rescheduled for a videoconference.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The claims of service connection for left leg/knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion to address the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, including major depression and schizophrenia. The claim is also being remanded due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any mental health disability related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as family relations, judgment, thinking and mood, due to symptoms including depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, impaired memory, flattened affect, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, impaired abstract thinking, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities, impaired impulse control, suicidal and homicidal ideation, and an inability to establish effective relationships.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he currently suffers from PTSD related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity while on active duty in Aviano, Italy, in 1978. The examiner is also requested to render an opinion as to whether any other diagnosed psychiatric disorder, such as Major Depressive Disorder, is a result of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, that was incurred in or related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and his adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is not related to service. His bilateral hearing loss is also not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, resulting in moderate disability with symptoms such as sleep issues, avoidant behaviors, and problems with memory and concentration. This results in occupational and social impairment but not to the extent that it meets criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, alcoholism, seizure disorder, and dementia were not incurred or aggravated by his period of active military service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and the need to verify alleged stressors.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure the Veteran receives a VA examination and opinion regarding his claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depression. The AOJ will obtain relevant medical records and provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating of 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD with depression, bipolar disorder and adjustment disorder has been granted. The appeal regarding the low back disability is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying a stressor and obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination of the Veteran in connection with his PTSD and to address whether his depression is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.