Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of more than 30 percent for his service-connected major depressive disorder has been granted, with a current rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the AOJ for appropriate development, including referral of the issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination, including obtaining records related to the Veteran's 1979 divorce proceedings and scheduling a mental disorders examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled Travel Board hearing and for the need to schedule another hearing. The claims of service connection for PTSD, depression, and low back disorder as well as the claim for special monthly compensation are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current nature and likely etiology of all diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran contends that he has PTSD or another psychiatric disorder as a result of his Navy service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and retrieval of additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be considered in light of the amended PTSD regulation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The new evidence shows that her current diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are related to military service.

The Board has expanded the issue to include all diagnosed psychiatric conditions, and a VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service. The Veteran's claim for PTSD will be evaluated based on the criteria set forth in the DSM-IV.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that is causally related to his military service and the Board finds no evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is etiologically related to his active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (recurring major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.,The evidence shows that the Veteran's obesity, which is linked to his sedentary lifestyle due to his knee disabilities, contributed to his diabetes and hypertension. His psychiatric condition is also likely related to his overall health issues.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a CVA with short-term memory loss, anxiety, depression, and disequilibrium. The VA examiner found that there was no current medical literature to support that stress caused an increase in blood pressure or led to the appellant's CVA.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted this rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) with the Air National Guard. A VA examination is also required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the December 1997 rating decision denying service connection for depression. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to new evidence related to his psychiatric disorder, but service connection could not be established as there was no link between his current condition and a period of active duty or ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The service connection claim for left face pain and nerve damage to the left nose and ear is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine the relationship between her current psychiatric disorders and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but his bilateral hearing loss was granted with a noncompensable rating.