Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a representation issue. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for the claims office to review his mental health disability claims, including PTSD, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to April 23, 2015.,Since April 23, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has not warranted a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent danger of hurting himself, and the Board has granted a 100 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury and anxiety and depression are being considered. The Board will seek additional evidence to determine the nature of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding his diagnosed conditions and their relationship to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is supported by evidence of behavior changes related to in-service personal assaults. The other claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, major depressive disorder and depression NOS, are found to be related to his service due to a traumatic brain injury he suffered in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified trauma-and-stressor-related disorder, finding that it is etiologically related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder had its onset during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD are related to service or caused by the service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for burns to the hands, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a sleep disorder. The issues regarding back, right knee, right shoulder, left shoulder disorders, and left knee disorder were reconsidered but also denied on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and an examination to determine the likely etiology of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and she is now entitled to a 50 percent rating for her migraine headaches. She also meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with Secondary Somatoform Disorder was denied. The issue regarding CUE in the September 1997 rating decision denying service connection for dysthymia (claimed as depression) was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to provide him with a psychiatric examination by a clinician specializing in mental health conditions, as well as an updated dermatology examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD and increased rating for recurrent dermatitis will be addressed.

The Veteran's current depression is attributable to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Fuchs' dystrophy and cataracts, sleep apnea, hypertension, migraines with hyperventilation and blackouts, psychiatric disorder (depression with anxiety symptoms), and keratoconus have been denied. The maximum rating of 30 percent has been assigned for migraines.

The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance for his service-connected disabilities, including right knee injury, chondromalacia of the left knee, and lumbar spine disability, was granted effective May 14, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.