Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claim remains on hold until further action.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case due to a request for a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and a seizure disorder, but denied reopening of his claim for depression.,Service connection is granted for a seizure disorder as secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder with alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent disabling effective March 22, 2002. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and social anxiety was rated at 70 percent prior to April 30, 2015.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since July 15, 2015. The VA determined that the condition caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse prior to May 9, 2013, warrants a disability rating of 70 percent. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction requires insulin and a restricted diet but does not require regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric condition have been denied. The denial of the PTSD claim is due to lack of evidence linking it to his honorable period of active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted service connection, and his claims for increased ratings for left leg and right leg shin splints are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression, or a skin disorder related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death, a self-inflicted gunshot wound due to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, is considered service-connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depressive disorder with psychotic features, is found to be proximately due to or the result of a service-connected lumbosacral spine disability. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and depression are related to an in-service sexual trauma, which is considered a personal assault. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The evidence does not support the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent regarding any psychiatric complaints or symptoms, and there is no verified stressor related to his military service.