Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder during service and for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to consider his employability prior to August 16, 2013. The issues of rating and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The Veteran's migraine headaches are not shown to have been manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over several month periods.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and depressive disorder are not deemed to be additional disabilities resulting from VA care, thus the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, and depression are related to his in-service experience in Korea. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the relationship between any acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD and depression) and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective May 30, 2013. The earlier effective date issue for TDIU is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is linked to an in-service personal assault for which there is credible supporting evidence. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders and a psychosis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been presented. The case is now remanded for further development including an examination and attempt to confirm stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development. The issue of nonservice-connected VA disability pension remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, was incurred during active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis related to his left leg fracture, distal fibula. The pre-existing right wrist navicular fracture was not aggravated during ACDUTRA and is not related to service.

Service connection for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of September 22, 2011. Service connection for major depressive disorder was also granted with the same effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and polysubstance abuse, are related to service or other conditions. The examination should address whether these diagnoses are due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing via live videoconference.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depression, was caused by military service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination reports and missing VA treatment records.