Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with intermittent explosive disorder has been rated at 70 percent throughout the appeal period, and he is now entitled to a TDIU beginning May 30, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any identified psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining relevant medical records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the appellant's depression began during service or is related to his pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, skin condition, hypertension, and residuals of colon surgery have been denied. The Board finds that further examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

New and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD during a VA psychology consultation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examination of his major depressive disorder.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and dysthymia. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and occurrence of a claimed in-service stressor event, which may be relevant to his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, diabetes mellitus, and related disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and/or depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability and depressive disorder are not rated higher than the current levels, with the right knee disability remaining at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since August 26, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have not manifested in total social and occupational impairment, thus the claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 22, 2013. This rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for complications from gall bladder surgery, including surgical scars and allergic reactions to tape used post-surgery. The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran sustained additional disability due to VA care.

Service connection for migraine headaches has been granted.,Service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) have not been established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran's claims on appeal will be readjudicated after all evidence is received.

The Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected psychiatric disorder, and the Board finds that the cause of death is related to his active duty service. The appeal for accrued benefits is dismissed as the appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a current disability related to her inservice complaints of pelvic pain, which is necessary to establish service connection.