Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits has been denied as he does not meet the criteria of being permanently and totally disabled from non-service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, including his involvement in riots in Seoul, South Korea. The appellant will also be provided with their complete VA treatment records from March 2016 to present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the Houston RO. The issues of service connection for depression, unspecified hip pain, and a right knee condition are still pending.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50% and his pulmonary sarcoidosis with bronchitis and reactive obstructive airway disease is rated at 60%. Both conditions meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as due to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with chest pain is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The evidence shows a nexus between her current conditions and her military sexual trauma during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is related to his active service. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining disciplinary records and requesting an examination to address whether any psychiatric disorder preexisted service and underwent a permanent increase in severity.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder NOS, finding that there is at least a reasonable doubt in favor of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a hearing. The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder, to include major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified; entitlement to a higher initial disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder; and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability are now before the Board.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for SLE, chronic urticaria, migraine headaches, anemia, depression, ankle disorder, bladder infections, and tunnel vision. The evidence received since the August 2004 denial relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is service-connected, with the presumption of soundness applying due to pre-existing depression.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor and therefore denied his claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board finds that additional development is needed to fully and fairly adjudicate this issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to address the Veteran's psychiatric disability claim and issuance of a statement of the case regarding his nonservice connected pension issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular requirement for assignment of a TDIU and are reasonably shown to render him unable to secure and follow a substantial gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to PTSD and depressive disorder. The remaining conditions are either already established or not yet determined.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and sleep disturbance, finding that these conditions are directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for ADHD and PTSD with depression, anxiety, and restless leg syndrome. The higher initial ratings for PTSD and tinnitus are also granted.