Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 2, 2012. His depression is considered secondary to his PTSD and rated separately.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right foot fracture is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder injury with degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are rated based on their current manifestations, which do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a disease or injury incurred in service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, with depression and anxiety, is found to have originated during his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were rated at 30% prior to September 17, 2014. As of that date, the rating was increased to 50%. The appeal is denied as there is no indication of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his depression and its impact on his daily life.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are likely due to or aggravated by service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from military bases and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to in-service stressors.

The Board found no evidence of a verified in-service stressor for PTSD and concluded that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is considered directly related to service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders. The AOJ will consider all relevant evidence and readjudicate the case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including rheumatic heart disease and left knee replacement, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effects of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, and porphyria cutanea tarda.

The Veteran's sinus condition and depression are not service-connected.,Widespread arthritis is not service-connected. The Veteran has a painful, superficial scar from the forehead laceration.

The Board found that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran has a psychiatric disability, to include major depression, adjustment disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and PTSD that is related to his military service.