Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case on his claim for an increased rating for PTSD with associated depression and for additional VA medical opinions to address service connection for cardiovascular disorders.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder without agoraphobia that is as likely as not related to his military service. The Board grants the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of DJD of the lumbar spine is presumed to be related to his in-service injury due to falling down stairs during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective April 4, 2011. The rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence received since the January 2007 rating decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected left eye disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or separate disfigurement rating, and he is not entitled to SMC based on loss of use of vision.

The Veteran's appeal concerning service connection for chloracne has been dismissed. The claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating of PTSD with MDD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The other conditions are not addressed by the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA RO to address in-patient mental health treatment records dated January to February 2008 and review additional Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be reconsidered with respect to his claims of higher initial disability rating for depressive disorder and TDIU prior to January 10, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining VA treatment records from Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama. The Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a retrospective medical opinion to determine when the Veteran became unemployable due solely to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is also remanded to allow an appropriate opportunity for the Veteran to respond to the adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been denied as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other diagnosed psychiatric disability being related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's total hysterectomy is etiologically related to uterine hemorrhaging that began during her active duty service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including claimed PTSD, is rated at 50 percent since June 5, 2014. The condition results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2, and thus does not warrant service connection.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted as it is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety reaction and depression, had its onset during his active service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding several rating and effective date claims, including for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, left thoracic outlet syndrome, removal of middle and anterior scalene muscles, status post resection cervical and first thoracic ribs, residual scar, and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD with depression due to personal assaults during service.,The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for PTSD with depression.