Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including locating missing documents and adjudicating a claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal regarding payment or reimbursement of private medical expenses will be returned to the RO.

The Board has again remanded the Veteran's claim due to insufficient compliance with its previous remand instructions, specifically regarding an opinion on whether her diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's depression is service-connected as secondary to his asthma and physical pain. His back disorder is also service-connected, with the primary basis being related injuries during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's PTSD has caused deficiencies in most areas, including work and social functioning. He is now entitled to a higher initial rating of 70 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection was withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran's depressive disorder warrants a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a VA examination, and issuing a statement of the case on the issues of service connection for low back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with a 50% rating effective March 6, 2015. The issue of erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disabilities and/or medications is still pending.

The Veteran's CAD is rated at 60 percent, meeting the criteria for a TDIU due to his combined disability rating of 90 percent. The initial evaluation in excess of 60 percent for CAD remains denied.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including migraine headaches and personality disorder, are rated at 30 percent since January 24, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for PTSD and a bilateral hip disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records, verifying the Veteran's service dates, and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric or hip disorders.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed urethral stricture and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder, NOS) are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's claimed stressors are consistent with his service in Vietnam and meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his military service, specifically his time in Iraq where he experienced stressors such as receiving enemy fire and a mortar attack. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, impulse control disorder, and depression) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining Social Security Administration records, VA treatment records, and private medical records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for major depression. The Veteran's current TBI residuals were found to be incurred in service, and his current psychiatric disorder is considered to have originated from his military service.

The Board denied all service connection claims, including those for schizophrenia, anxiety and depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a fractured left tibia, back condition, and sciatica of the left lower extremity. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has resulted in deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking and mood due to suicidal ideation with a plan; depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; reported neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.