Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, as well as a claim for TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her major depressive disorder with anxiety and TDIU was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as she did not demonstrate symptoms consistent with a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected cerebrovascular accident with dementia and depression resulted in total occupational and social impairment from January 1, 2011 to March 19, 2012.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the in-service stressors could not be verified.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD are denied as the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder prior to June 7, 2013, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her service treatment records, specifically from the Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center and Tripler Army Hospital. The AOJ will conduct a thorough search for these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizo-affective disorder, neurotic depression, and depressive disorder, is presumed to have first manifested during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective date claim is also denied as the original rating decision was final.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 9, 2015 and at 70 percent since then. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability level.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination. The TDIU issue remains inextricably intertwined with the other remanded issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, claustrophobia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to afford the Veteran a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO due to his request for representation and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining mental health clinic treatment records and VA treatment notes. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence added to the record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected major depression and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical inquiry into the Veteran's claim to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's entitlement to an effective date prior to May 12, 1994 for the award of special monthly pension (SMP) at the housebound rate is granted. The effective date is set as September 14, 1990.

The July 6, 2006 decision denied service connection for various conditions including depression, tinnitus, stroke, colon cancer, gastrointestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome), and Type II diabetes mellitus. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this decision.