Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression did not result in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 9, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right foot condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of medical nexus between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but he is now granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is being evaluated to determine if it is related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and Epstein Barr Virus.

The Board has found new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression. The Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressors as a medic, and his depression is caused by his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements regarding military sexual trauma are considered new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to obtain medical records, clarify the nature and extent of his psychiatric conditions, and determine if he has any current respiratory or skin disorders. The specific issues on appeal will be addressed once this additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is granted service connection based on herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service. The issue of service connection for a skin disorder and mental disorder including depression was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional substantive development is necessary before further appellate consideration of the claim on appeal, including a search for missing service treatment records and an examination to address the Veteran's TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD claims.

The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders of anxiety and depression are found to have been incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The appeal is now pending again with the AOJ.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression), and chronic disability due to substance abuse. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for a chronic disability due to substance abuse.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical treatment at Norwood Health Center in January 2012 is being remanded due to unclear responsibility and incomplete information regarding the payment status.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to her ability to care for herself and lack of any service-connected disabilities rated at 100%.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and an updated VA examination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains under review.