Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his reported stressors and treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased disability evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date for service connection of diverticulitis or TDIU, but granted a higher rating for major depressive disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in a need for aid and attendance prior to September 30, 2010, granting an earlier effective date.

The Board found that the Veteran's bipolar disorder and depression existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, which the Board finds is related to his service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as depression or anxiety, are not related to service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss do not render him unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and thus no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his currently diagnosed depressive disorder is not related to service. His substance abuse disorders are also not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, and he is assigned a 30% initial rating for his headaches.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, while anxiety disorder is linked to personal history of symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining clarification on whether he has a diagnosis of PTSD and assessing his psychiatric conditions in relation to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service, including his fear of working around nuclear and atomic warheads during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression and PTSD, as new evidence received since the last final denial supports this claim. The TDIU issue is also addressed in the remand portion of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective January 22, 2010. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a depressive disorder, but denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and panic disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective January 11, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the service-connected disability.