Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the scheduling of an appropriate medical examination if feasible. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the major depressive disorder rating issue.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since June 23, 2010. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of left great toe proximal phalanx avulsion fracture.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and determined that his depressive disorder is not related to service. Therefore, the claims for both conditions were denied.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and readjudicating the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and PTSD. The remaining issues of right knee disorder, back disorder, and alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's laryngeal cancer and loss of teeth, sense of smell, and taste are found to be related to exposure to hazardous chemicals from open burn pits during Persian Gulf War service. The Veteran's depression is also found to be related to her laryngeal cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which meets the threshold for a TDIU. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure all theories of entitlement have been considered and to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The claims for service connection for right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits decision and securing VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination will also be arranged to assess the severity of her service-connected bipolar disorder with panic disorder and agoraphobia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and to secure outstanding records, including VA treatment records from before 2008, SSA disability benefits records, and private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including alcohol dependence, depressive disorder, and cognitive disorder NOS is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder prior to January 2, 2014 was manifested by mild to moderate symptoms that did not cause deficiencies in most areas. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder and increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. His claim for hospitalization in June 2010 was also denied.

The Veteran does not have a current clinical diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examinations and medical opinions found no evidence of such disorders.

The Veteran's depression, NOS was rated at 50 percent from April 16, 2009 to January 3, 2013 and at 70 percent beginning January 3, 2013. The appeal is granted for the higher rating.