Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were found to have been incurred in service.,There is no evidence of h. pylori infection, but the Veteran has current atopic dermatitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depression, anxiety, dysthymia, and a sleep disorder. The claim is now pending for further adjudication.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left facial spasm, porphyria cutanea tarda with diabetic skin complications of tinea pedis and tinea cruris, PTSD and depression, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The maximum schedular rating was assigned for the skin conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, TDIU, and service connection. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the issues of secondary service connection and missing private medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression, or residuals of a head injury, including TBI, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the date of the Veteran's claimed stressor and a need to verify it. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the case.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not manifested by symptomatology approximating the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, functional myoclonis, and hyperaldosteronism are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and major depression is also being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right shoulder tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for an updated examination.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for left shoulder tendonitis is also being remanded due to the need for an updated examination.,The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine remains before the Board as it includes both orthopedic and neurological manifestations.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's depressive disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression; migraine headaches; and TMJ are related to her military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and major depressive disorder have been granted ratings of 50% and 100%, respectively, reflecting the severity of their symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, ADHD, and alcohol dependence is being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of service-connected dermatitis was denied. The Board found that the current 30 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity and symptomatology of his condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The Board also found in favor of the Veteran on his claim for service connection, finding that his current diagnosis of these conditions is related to his combat service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his MDD and tension headaches, and readjudicating his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and addressing the Veteran's contentions regarding his psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new and relevant medical evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran's claims include service connection for various orthopedic, psychiatric, and skin conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol dependence in remission is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a rating in excess of this. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.