Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim regarding his character of discharge, allowing for a review of whether he should be considered as having served under honorable conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder NOS and anxiety disorder NOS, is related to her military service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient discussion of medical opinions and potential risk factors for hepatitis C, including intranasal cocaine use. The case is also inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no evaluation was assigned for depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with other issues on appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, a low back disorder, and hypertension due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service. The gastrointestinal disability claim is also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder can be decided. The Veteran needs to provide information about any relevant medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and asking the Veteran to provide or identify any relevant medical records. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his conditions, exposure basis, and theories of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including seeking clarification on SSA benefits and clarifying the in-service stressor related to PTSD. A VA examination will also be scheduled to address his back and hip claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with a history of major depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence that the entitlement arose prior to May 12, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depressive disorder and personality disorder. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the Veteran's current depression to service or any incident therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a translation of Spanish language correspondence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety reaction (claimed as depression) is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records, particularly regarding private psychiatric treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion to assess the current severity of her nonservice-connected acquired psychiatric disability, which encompasses diagnoses including bipolar disorder dysphoric mania, bipolar disorder NOS, depression, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and anxiety. The case will be reviewed by the AOJ after additional development.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD with depression was granted, and a 50 percent rating was assigned effective November 21, 2003.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety, panic and depressive disorders, and PTSD, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board finds a 70 percent disability rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to October 30, 2006, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression has been withdrawn. The case is now remanded for additional development regarding her claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2014.