Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and major depressive disorder have been rated at their maximum allowable levels, but the combined rating of 80% meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma and there is a medical nexus between the current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation prong of the claim and updating treatment records from Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected rhinitis, and he does not have a deviated septum or fatigue. The low back disorder was reopened on new evidence, but no other conditions were found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that an effective date of December 12, 2008 is warranted for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service, and denied his claims for PTSD and depression.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected tinnitus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as a personality disorder) has been reopened and is granted. The claim for TDIU remains inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnosed conditions. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD or any other condition, and that the stressor related to his employment in firearms sales did not meet the requirements for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, stroke, PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction and tinnitus have been denied. The Veteran did not engage in combat and has not shown a verified or verifiable service-related stressor on which a diagnosis of PTSD can be based.,Depression, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction were not manifested during service and are not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and the clinical records do not establish an in-service onset.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a depressive disorder disability, secondary to other service connected injuries including low back and DJD knee and feet disabilities. The case is REMANDED for the following actions: obtain any outstanding VA treatment records; afford the Veteran a VA medical examination with a psychologist or psychiatrist, for a depressive disorder secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder with alcohol dependence and adjustment disorder, are service-connected as they were incurred during his period of active duty Marine Corps service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of headaches and major depression have been reopened, and the Board finds that these conditions are related to her military service. The claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is remanded due to a potential exception in the regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including General Anxiety Disorder and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression. The decision is based on the reopening of the claim due to new evidence.

The Board is unable to make a final determination on the service connection claims due to insufficient evidence, and has therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and SSA records, and will consider service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and genital herpes.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA standards. The Veteran's puretone thresholds have never met the criteria for a disability during this appeal period.