Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. Relevant treatment records must also be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder, as well as whether they are related to service-connected GERD.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported stressor event during service did not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Board has determined that the current VA examination is inadequate and remanded the case for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, did not manifest during active military service and are not otherwise related to a disease, injury, or event during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the November 2012 VA examination and the need for updated treatment records. A new examination will be conducted to determine if PTSD can be service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of all evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders, as well as peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 50 percent since December 2, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied as the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from a VA psychologist or psychiatrist to address whether any psychiatric disability present since March 2005 is related to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, was denied. The appeal for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is also denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA medical records that need to be obtained and reviewed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, dysthymic disorder, PTSD, and depression is granted. However, the claim for service connection for a seizure disorder is denied.,Service connection for PTSD is not granted due to lack of medical diagnosis and credible supporting evidence. Service connection for a seizure disorder is also not granted as it is related to alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Vet Center treatment records and providing an addendum to the April 2014 VA PTSD examination.

The Board is unable to determine the outcome of this appeal due to conflicting evidence and need for further clarification. The Veteran's lay statements, along with a statement from Mr. L., suggest that her psychiatric conditions may have had an onset during service, but the VA examiner's initial opinion contradicted these assertions. Additional medical opinions are needed to reconcile these discrepancies.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining specific dates of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA from appropriate Federal sources.

The Veteran's service-connected depression resulted in severe symptoms including anxiety, homicidal thoughts, and difficulty with daily activities. The Board has determined that a 70 percent rating is warranted since April 12, 2012.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for left ulnar nerve entrapment and anxiety disorder, NOS, and depressive disorder. As a result, these issues are dismissed.