Depression decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD due to MST, was not supported by evidence of a diagnosed condition and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The claim was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for total abdominal hysterectomy and granted service connection based on evidence showing a current diagnosis related to military service. The Veteran also received compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of sexual trauma sustained during a medical appointment in 2006.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current sleep apnea, psychiatric disorder (including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), and bilateral pes planus were not shown in service or for years thereafter. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service event or injury resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims for increased disability ratings for his schizoaffective disorder with dysthymia, and a history of major depressive disorder, depression, anxiety reaction and sleep disturbance, as well as service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder, have been dismissed.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's PTSD, effective from January 26, 2010. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the earlier effective date for service connection.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability was characterized by occupational and social impairment deficiencies in most areas including mood, family relations, and work due to symptoms that included neglect of personal appearance and hygiene. The Board found the criteria for a 70 percent rating were met as of August 31, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a psychiatric examination to address whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service and any in-service personal assault. The examiner should also consider the impact of the Veteran's psychiatric disability on his use of intravenous street drugs.

The Board has found that there is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder in service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not shown to be related to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors. The diagnoses of PTSD were based on uncorroborated stressors.

The Board has determined that there is no probative evidence linking the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including new examinations and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's incarceration and inability to appear for a hearing. The appeal is about reopening his claim of service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, a nervous disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Prior to April 4, 2007, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder associated with hepatitis C.,Beginning on April 4, 2007, he was granted a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and supplemental opinions from the examiner who performed his spine and mental disorder examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder is granted due to the credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and a link between current symptoms and that stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his herpes and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be a result of an in-service stressor, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development including a VA examination to clarify the diagnosis and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. Outstanding records must also be secured.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's pre-existing dysthymic disorder was found to have been aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the Veteran with new VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed conditions.