Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and depression medication Zyprexa, contributed to his cause of death due to septic shock and respiratory failure.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder renders her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU. The issue of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is also addressed.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and psychiatric disabilities, including major depression and memory problems, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of his current or previously diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain/fatigue. The Veteran's anxiety, depression, and PTSD are related to his service. Service connection is also established for insomnia as it is related to the Veteran's service. However, the claim of reopening the previously denied claim of service connection for depression remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disability is related to service or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for ear pain is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability due to disease or injury incurred in service. The Veteran's complaints of ear pain are associated with upper respiratory disorders and have not been shown to be related to his period of service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective December 29, 1995. The combined disability rating for his service-connected disabilities is 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty or in-service. The Veteran was granted service connection for prostate cancer but not for the residuals.

The Veteran's MDD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since April 10, 2012. The RO granted a TDIU prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher disability rating for his psychiatric disabilities has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed disability manifested by fatigue, hypertension, or dermatitis/eczema (claimed as skin irritation on the legs and arms). His headaches are service connected as tension headaches.

The Veteran's depression was granted a 70 percent rating effective April 4, 2012. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure in Guam and clarification on the etiology of his sleep apnea and depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are related to his pre-existing conditions. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD, major depression or bipolar disorder related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorders are not attributable to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, as it was not caused by VA care or treatment.,An effective date earlier than November 23, 2007 for major depressive disorder has not been met due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.