Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required to determine if any psychiatric disorders are related to service or the service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private treatment records from Dr. Z.A.R.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of his claimed stressors and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for major depression, an adjustment disorder/reaction with depressed mood, a panic disorder, and pathological gambling. These conditions are found to be related to his military service and/or his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and gastrointestinal disability have been denied.,New evidence has reopened the claims for service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be at least in part due to his active service. However, there is no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from numbness of the bilateral upper extremities or left knee disorder during service and it is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The bladder disorder was also not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, sciatic radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as low back condition), scars, degenerative joint disease of both knees, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, hypertension, tinnitus, bilateral nasal pinquecula with dry eyes, hernia, ear pain, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities alone are at least in equipoise as to whether he is unable to obtain or maintain such employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on current symptoms and not solely on a previous diagnosis in VA records.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and alcohol dependence as secondary to the service-connected PTSD, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining evidence to corroborate the in-service assault event and providing notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A 30 percent rating was granted effective August 2, 2007. A 70 percent rating was granted effective July 12, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants at least a 50 percent rating throughout, reflecting significant symptoms including passive suicidal thoughts and social isolation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing VA treatment records and for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the origins of his bilateral pes planus, as well as increased ratings for PTSD with a major depressive disorder and hand tremors. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder. Service connection was also granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his employment status and obtain updated VA outpatient records, as well as for VA examinations of his service-connected major depressive disorder and Scheuermann's thoracic kyphosis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to her service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for any other acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, but the claim for a separate left shoulder disability and psychiatric disorder remains pending.,The Veteran has submitted evidence that suggests his current disabilities may be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder. The case is remanded due to the inextricability of his claim for a character of discharge upgrade for VA purposes.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and granted service connection for a psychiatric disability (depressive disorder). The Veteran's right knee disorder is not considered to be related to his service-connected left knee disability.