Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 12, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected varicose veins, and the claim for service connection has been granted. The ratings and compensation issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's suicide was not caused by his service-connected emphysema, but rather by a combination of factors including pre-existing psychiatric conditions and stressors. The Board finds that the service-connected condition did not contribute to cause his death.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and panic disorder are found to be related to his service, specifically the stressful experiences he had during the Persian Gulf War. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and he is now entitled to a 10 percent rating for asthma prior to November 2, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the March 2011 VA examiner regarding service connection and aggravation of his psychiatric disorders by his service-connected diabetes and bilateral peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, a new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD due to an in-service personal assault, is granted.

The Board is remanding the claims for a psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, and neck and shoulder disorder due to new and material evidence being found. The claims are also being remanded for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for all issues on appeal, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, ascertaining the type of SSA benefits the Veteran receives, scheduling a VA examination to assess acquired psychiatric disorder, and scheduling a VA examination to assess bilateral perforated ear drums, vertigo/dizziness, and ear infections.

The Veteran's depression prevented him from participating in his chosen program of education within the otherwise applicable eligibility period, and he is granted an extension of 1 year, 1 month, and 16 days for educational assistance benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, that is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and adjudication of his claims, including the issues related to service connection for psychiatric disabilities, a back disability, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, gastritis, and sleep apnea have been reopened. The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (which includes PTSD and depression).,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's skin condition as a result of remanding this issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are found to have been incurred in service. The claim for hepatitis C is granted as new and material evidence has been received, but further development is needed before the merits of this issue can be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of a claimed stressor and examination of his left knee.