Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) as it is proximately due to her service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue symptoms. Service connection was also granted for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue symptoms.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and erectile dysfunction, but dismissed his claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, urinary complications, and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression or anxiety).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression and anxiety, finding that there was no evidence of a psychosis in the one year post-service period and clear and unmistakable evidence showing that his preexisting psychiatric condition did not worsen during his periods of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining private medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, needs further development and clarification. Specifically, efforts should be made to verify a claimed in-service stressor involving basic training and a shooting incident next to the Veteran. Additionally, current VA treatment records are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is still pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Dependents Educational Assistance benefits were granted effective October 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the other issue on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since April 14, 2009. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete records and need for additional opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since the effective date of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of medical records. The Board will determine if his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, an addendum opinion from the August 2014 VA examiner, and another attempt to obtain Dr. Harrington's records.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders do not produce deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The disability is rated at 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for depression and for an effective date earlier than September 26, 2008 for service connection for depression. The decision is final as the claim was not filed within one year after the August 2003 rating decision denying service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including his depression and anxiety, is being exacerbated by his service-connected low back disability. The Board grants the claim for service connection on a secondary basis.