Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, a personal assault stressor determination, and an updated medical opinion.

The Veteran's service connection claim for depression is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's depression had its onset during service and has been chronic and recurrent since his separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. The Veteran is diagnosed with both PTSD and MDD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist ganglion and depression, secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of depression at the time of his VA examination in 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding service personnel records and relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and history of polysubstance abuse in sustained remission, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and depression can be decided. This includes obtaining verification of all periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training, as well as any periods of National Guard service. The Veteran also needs to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disorders and hearing loss.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center from May 26, 2012, through June 3, 2012 are now covered by VA.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was not incurred in or aggravated by any period of service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, psychosis NOS, depression, and schizotypal personality disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of mental hygiene records from his active duty locations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim due to inadequate examination and internal inconsistencies in the opinion provided. A new VA psychiatric examination is necessary to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, had its clinical onset during active service or is related to any in-service disease, event, or injury.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with a joint motion for remand (JMR) and additional development, including obtaining lay statements from the Veteran and other individuals who have first-hand knowledge of his in-service and post-service psychiatric symptoms. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues not yet addressed, including service connection for psychiatric disability and dental problems.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression did not have its onset in service and is not related to any service-connected disability. As a result, the claim for service connection for depression is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his personnel records and a VA examination.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD to include a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder. The case is REMANDED so that the Veteran's indicated fear of hostile military or terrorist activity can be addressed in determining whether he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Further, the examiner should address whether his other diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. For the issue of a rating in excess of 40 percent for benign prostate hyperplasia, the Board found that there was no evidence showing use of an appliance or wearing absorbent materials more than four times per day. The mental disorder claim was denied due to lack of cooperation during examinations. Service connection for loss of use of a creative organ was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, to determine if service connection can be granted for psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder is granted. The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran has these conditions due to his military service.