Depression decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiners' opinions were deemed more credible than Dr. W.A.'s opinion, which was based on an incomplete review of medical records.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn all appeals currently pending before the Board, including those for PTSD, a psychosis, and depression.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge is not a bar to VA compensation benefits due to evidence showing he was insane at the time of his misconduct.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including examinations and notice regarding certain aspects of her claims.

The Veteran's mixed anxiety depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since October 20, 2009. The effective date for this rating is not specified in the decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for major depression, PTSD, and respiratory disabilities have been granted with an effective date of December 16, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, glaucoma, back disability (scoliosis), foot disability (pes planus), and primary insomnia (depression). The decision also noted that there was no current evidence of a sinus disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders, back disorder, Dupuytren's contractures of both hands, breathing disorder, dysphagia, headaches, leg and foot disorders, as well as liver disorder. The highest rating assigned was 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than depression and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to August 11, 2010 for service connection of migraine headaches and major depressive disorder are denied as there is no earlier date of claim or entitlement.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia, are being evaluated in relation to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as secondary to service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Veteran's preexisting conditions need to be evaluated in accordance with Wagner v. Principi.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a mental health examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including verification of periods of federalized service and stressor events. The Veteran's claims for PTSD with depression, erectile dysfunction, and voiding dysfunction are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on his claimed in-service stressor and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective October 20, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete evidence and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the current severity of her service-connected back disability and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to her active service or aggravated by her service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.