Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination to determine if the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as his service did not meet the threshold requirements. The Board also found that he should be afforded a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The issues of an increased rating for major depression and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression and adjustment disorder related to eczema. The Veteran's headaches are not service-connected due to lack of evidence. His bilateral foot disability is not service-connected as there is no credible evidence linking it to his active duty. Sleep apnea was also not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, fatigue, respiratory condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depressive disorder, mood disorder), coronary artery disease, left knee disability, and left shoulder disability have been denied. The decision does not address the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for fatigue.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity have been granted effective from November 24, 2010.,An initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been granted effective from March 5, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depression have been rated as 50 percent disabling, the minimum required for a higher rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further medical evaluation. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not reporting for a scheduled videoconference hearing and issues with communication regarding his current address. The claims will be reconsidered after these matters are resolved.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of other diagnosed mental disorders.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for a skin rash and left ankle disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including those related to the Veteran's service. The case will be returned to the AOJ for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including asbestosis and mesothelioma was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for mesothelioma, low back disability, bilateral hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety caused total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent for the periods September 18, 2009 to May 25, 2011 and July 1, 2011 to September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, related to fear of hostile military activity during his service in Korea, and thus meets the criteria for service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and rating for various conditions are pending.