Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain medical records and conduct examinations to determine if his left ankle disability and acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder during service and concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The Veteran's claims were based on exposure to environmental toxins during his deployment in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and a prostate condition. The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year post-service, and that they are not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service due to a lack of evidence showing it during or shortly after his military service. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and OSA is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition and depression are not service-connected due to a pre-existing condition that was not aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder prior to June 27, 2012, and to a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorder. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities from January 1, 2012, to September 10, 2013.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as a result of service. The claim for alcoholism secondary to a service-connected disability is precluded.

The Veteran is granted service connection for anxiety disorder and depression, with the preponderance of evidence being in favor of these claims. Service connection is not granted for hepatitis or a liver condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, hypertension, headaches, and sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to January 3, 2005. The Veteran's initial entitlement to service connection for MDD and PTSD resulted in a 70 percent rating as of January 3, 2005. His current evaluation remains at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed major depression is etiologically related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for non-psychotic brain syndrome with convulsive disorder and major depression was denied due to failure to report for a VA medical examination. The claim for service connection for thalamic pain syndrome is remanded as the appropriate SOC has not yet been issued.

The Board found that the Veteran's current adjustment disorder with depression did not have onset in service and is more likely related to retirement concerns and financial issues.

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