Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including as secondary to his service-connected thoracic and lumbar strain, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of all theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied as the evidence did not provide sufficient information to identify and obtain relevant service department records prior to the final adjudication of his original December 2007 claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his secondary service connection theory.

The Veteran's PTSD with MD and APD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment since July 2, 2013.

For the period prior to March 9, 2010, the Veteran's major depressive disorder with paranoia is manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, sleep difficulties, fleeting suicidal and homicidal thoughts, and episodic hallucinations.,For the period beginning March 9, 2010, the Veteran's major depressive disorder with paranoia is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, poor short term memory, hypervigilence, intrusive thoughts, chronic sleep impairments, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the December 2014 VA-contracted examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is caused by his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of the claims.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically depression and anxiety, was found to warrant a 70 percent initial disability rating for the period prior to April 14, 2011. The symptoms included significant depressive mood, social isolation, irritability, and passive suicidal ideation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, a bilateral knee disability, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine scoliosis is considered a developmental disease for VA purposes; it manifested in service and is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 2, 2007. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying his claimed stressors. He is also seeking an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with chronic depressive disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50% rating from the date of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, hallux valgus deformity of the left foot, right foot disability, bilateral glaucoma, asthma, and erectile dysfunction are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety disorder, was granted. The condition is presumed to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder must be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include all acquired psychiatric disabilities and is remanding the case for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's claimed stressors are consistent with his service and whether there were reports of North Koreans shooting near the DMZ during his time stationed there. The VA will also obtain any outstanding records, including recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.