Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite, PTSD, and depression are pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, alcohol abuse, and anxiety. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any found psychiatric diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, as well as his hepatitis C, are related to service. The claim for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression not otherwise specified, adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, and dysthymic disorder. The claim for hearing loss disability was also denied. The claim for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify employment history, obtain private medical records, and provide an additional VA examination addressing the effects of his PTSD on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating since May 13, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, varicose veins of the left leg, and lung disability were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The claims for varicose veins of the left leg and lung disability are reopened.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder was granted effective March 6, 2014. Her original claims were denied in December 2011 and February/March 2013.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional action due to the complexity of the issues and the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all of his pending appeals, including those related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings. As a result, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing and potential change in address. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a new hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the 30 percent evaluation of his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as service connection for sleep apnea. The case has been remanded to obtain additional information regarding the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression). The Board has dismissed these matters as there are no remaining issues to consider.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, to include anxiety and depression, are not causally or etiologically related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected headache disability and granted an increased rating of 10 percent for tension headaches. The Veteran's rhinitis is rated at 10 percent due to more than 50% obstruction on both sides, with characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once every two months.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an examination and updated VA treatment records, as well as to clarify the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.