Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder, effective from the date of the grant of service connection. Effective dates for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder did not result in total social and occupational impairment prior to April 28, 2014.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse, maintaining a 50% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder and other service connection issues due to procedural errors, including failing to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service treatment records and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that this rating was incorrect and should not be disturbed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical records and clarification of representation issues.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran does not have hearing loss that is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if service connection for cervical/thoracic spine and carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities should be granted, as these conditions may impact her TDIU claim. The RO must also obtain VA medical opinions regarding the severity of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, lung nodules, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. The claim for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident is remanded.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his military personnel records and attempting to verify any exposure to hazardous materials during service. VA examinations are also needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed dizziness and falling down, memory loss, and depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, requires further development due to unresolved issues regarding in-service stressors and need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD was not related to his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the February 2013 VA psychiatric examination, addressing the issues enumerated in the October 2012 Board remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder had its onset during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.