Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his heart disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board found that it is not factually ascertainable that an increase in the Veteran's depressive disorder occurred within the year prior to May 20, 2009. Therefore, the effective date for a 50 percent rating remains at May 20, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression have resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but not to the extent warranting a higher rating. The current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion on the functional effects of his service-connected PTSD on his ability to work and obtaining treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Buffalo.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted. Service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD has also been established. The Veteran's hepatitis C is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, major depression, and anxiety disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examinations have found no link between these conditions and any in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is granted as his diagnosed conditions are related to his in-service stressors, which occurred during combat while stationed in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to a failure of the VLJ to suggest obtaining VA psychiatric records, and for additional development regarding the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of a current diagnosis consistent with DSM-IV stressor criteria. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was also denied as there is no evidence showing a link between the claimed in-service stressors and the diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a hepatic disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service, including a head injury and psychiatric disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, which is service-connected, contributed to his death due to a motorcycle and train collision. The claim for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 70 percent since March 25, 2009. However, the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions pre-existed his period of active duty. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that neither his service-connected conditions nor any other condition singly or in combination caused his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was causally related to a psychiatric disorder possibly linked to service, including his treatment for coccidioidomycosis during service. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, that is etiologically related to his period of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with Asperger's syndrome causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating effective August 20, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service noise exposure and the factual presumption of service connection due to combat status have been considered, along with the VA examiner's opinion that the hearing loss is not related to service. Given the balance of evidence, the claim is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and dysthymic disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.