Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnosis and whether it is at least as likely as not related to her military service, including a reported assault while on active duty. The Veteran's claim remains in remand status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for seizures and major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the relevant periods.

The Veteran's current diagnosed depression and anxiety are likely secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of stressors, review of VA treatment records, and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in representation and other procedural issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for ruptured breast implants secondary to a mammogram conducted in June 2004, finding that there was no legal basis for awarding benefits due to the mammogram not being performed by a VA employee or at a VA facility.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for updated psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a risk factor of receiving blood transfusions during active military service. The claim for psychosis was denied as there was no qualifying wartime service period under which the benefit could be sought. Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 50 percent prior to March 1, 2013. From March 1, 2013, the Veteran's condition warranted a 100 percent rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking any diagnosed psychiatric condition to service. The claims for heart condition and hepatitis C are also denied as there is insufficient evidence to support their connection to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, including mood disorder NOS and other specified depressive disorder with OCD, polysubstance abuse, cannabis use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to an in-service personal assault, resolving all doubts in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected. The other psychiatric disorders, including ADHD and depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was granted, but the initial rating for PTSD prior to May 17, 2010 is in excess of 50 percent and a higher rating since July 1, 2010 is denied. TDIU for the period prior to May 17, 2010 is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including diagnoses of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. The appellant's current low back disorder is also considered related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his left inguinal groin neuropathy did not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with panic disorder and agoraphobia was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied service connection. The criteria for entitlement to a TDIU have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are not related to his military service and denies his claim for service connection.