Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depression. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for completion of the requested actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depression have been granted. The claim for service connection on the merits has also been reopened.

The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. His right shoulder disability was also not shown to be related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, shrapnel wounds of both legs, and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other conditions during service that would support these claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for hearing loss, left ear and sleep apnea. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (specifically major depressive disorder) is granted as service-connected.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA records and schedule a psychiatric examination, as the current evaluation is for an initial claim of PTSD with depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, had onset during his active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of generalized anxiety and PTSD, and depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, resulted in significant impairment but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board upheld the original 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 22, 2008. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment due to mild symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is deceased.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it does not constitute a disability. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to lack of verification of claimed stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral ankle disorder, arthritis of hands, and hypertension will be remanded for further development.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the current rating of 50 percent adequately reflects this level of impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of chronic bronchitis. The claim for PTSD is reopened due to new and material evidence, but service connection remains denied as there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development including an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dysthymia/persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service, while his PTSD is not. The claim for left ear hearing loss disability was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a video conference hearing. The issues of increased disability ratings for PTSD and related conditions are pending.