Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and obtaining outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) sitting at the RO or in the alternative, a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression and alcohol use disorder, is not service-connected. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, and therefore denied his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 5, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent since July 18, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection and assigned a 30 percent initial evaluation, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the current status of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating for instability. The claim of service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened due to new evidence but no final decision on the merits has been made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not timely file a notice of disagreement with the October 2002 rating decision, and thus the appeal is dismissed. The issues of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and left shoulder disability are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and her migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records, as well as a review of stressor verification.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of concussion with headaches (claimed as TBI) are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if there was a personal assault during service that may have contributed to his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's MDD has been rated at 10 percent prior to April 3, 2012 and increased to 30 percent since that date. The Board finds the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a higher rating is warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service, as well as his ongoing treatment for depression. The case is remanded for further development.