Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has expanded the issue to encompass all psychiatric disabilities shown by the record, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and agoraphobia. The case is now remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for depression and panic disorder was granted, but the issue of a higher rating for his back condition remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating or a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, right hip, and left shoulder disorders have been denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been denied. The Veteran's Boxer's fracture of the right fifth metacarpal is rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals pertaining to the claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, mild quadriceps patella tendonitis, and recurrent lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be provided another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of all acquired psychiatric disorders present during the period of the claim, including somatoform disorder and depression not otherwise specified. The examiner will need to assess whether these conditions are caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is eligible for a 100% rate of payment under the Post-9/11 GI Bill due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression/depressive disorder, NOS) and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with hypercholesterolemia.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending issues of entitlement to earlier effective dates for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, a stroke, PTSD, and depression. The issue of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death remains pending.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric disability (PTSD) and hypertension were denied as they are not related to service.

The Veteran's current chronic back disorder is not shown to have been present during his military service or for many years thereafter, nor is it related to the Veteran's military service. The Board finds that service connection for a chronic back disorder is not warranted.

The Board found no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to service or any verified stressor. However, the Veteran was granted service connection for Persistent Depressive Disorder based on direct evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has ordered further development to determine if the Veteran had any past diagnosed psychiatric disorders during the appeal period and whether they are related to service. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is not related to his time in service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for PTSD and back disability have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for SMC benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to pending service connection claims. The AOJ should adjudicate these claims before final determination can be made.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and neurogenic bladder with megaureter are found to be related to his active military service. The gastrointestinal disorder is not currently shown, but the Veteran maintains a claim for this condition. The psychiatric disorder is linked to his service-connected Hirschsprung's disease post-operative segmental colectomy.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a mood disorder. The Board found that there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a major depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no competent evidence linking the current mental disorders to service.