Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to May 25, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is not linked to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between any current acquired psychiatric disorder and service, including PTSD. The Veteran's diagnoses were noted but there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor or medical nexus to his conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the Veteran's residuals of service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including his intestinal symptoms and numbness in fingers and toes. The appeal is REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and dysthymic disorder, was not caused or aggravated by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault. The Board found that the procedures were not negligent or improperly performed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking his current conditions to service. The appeal was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion, requiring clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the reduction from a 70% to a 50% evaluation for major depressive disorder was not proper, as there is no evidence of improvement in the Veteran's condition. The Veteran's symptoms have remained consistent and severe throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his depression and prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for neck strain, lumbar spine strain, PTSD, and bilateral vision loss. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus, type II, heart condition, and depressive disorder with alcohol dependence secondary to residuals of left bronchogenic cyst.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder are found to be etiologically related to her active service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of TDIU claims. The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is being evaluated for an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for PTSD, finding that prior to January 31, 2012, his PTSD symptoms did not more nearly approximate findings consistent with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for depression secondary to a service-connected disability of the cervical spine with associated radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, finding that reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, are related to her in-service stressors involving sexual assault and exposure to burn victims. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder etiologically related to service, and the Veteran's symptoms were attributed to personality disorders rather than PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Board found that there is no evidence showing bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus were incurred in service, and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to hazing-related stressors during his period of service in the USMC, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate sleep disorder and his migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service.