Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, but her TDIU claim is granted prior to the effective date of her PTSD rating increase.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Chronic Depression and Anxiety, which the Board finds to be related to his service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include as due to Agent Orange herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected. The Board also finds no evidence of any other acquired psychiatric disorder (other than depression and PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to address the claimed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issue of service connection will be reconsidered based on the examination results and any additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded as the VA has not yet conducted a traditional C&P examination to determine if his condition was caused by or had its onset in military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and migraine headaches, have met the percentage requirements for a TDIU from January 15, 2008 to August 31, 2015. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether her service-connected psychiatric disorders prevented her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder. The claim for service connection for nerve damage to the bilateral upper extremities is also granted. The decision does not specify any effective date.

The Veteran's MDD has been rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2012. The Board found that she is entitled to a TDIU due to her service-connected MDD and special monthly compensation (SMC) under section 1114(s).

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military sexual trauma. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not establish an in-service stressor sufficient to support such a diagnosis.,While the Veteran has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, there is no established service connection for this condition as it was not incurred during his military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 13, 2004 for the service connection of major depressive disorder with associated irritability and tension as secondary to thoracolumbar disc and joint disease. The effective date for left lower extremity radiculopathy is set at August 20, 2010.

The Board has requested a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or secondary to his already service-connected back disability. The current VA examinations are inadequate and need to be supplemented with an opinion regarding the stressors of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address service connection claims, including those related to an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for urinary incontinence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of service stressors and a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's mental conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to attend scheduled VA examinations and the need for additional examination and opinion regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as a new VA examination to assess any current respiratory disability. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.