Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, an enlarged liver, and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding new evidence sufficient to reopen the claims. The Veteran is also granted a VA examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as no prior unadjudicated claims were found.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression and intermittent explosive disorder are related to his military service, with a current diagnosis of these conditions. The claim for PTSD is denied as there is no current clinical diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are found to have been incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to service or her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected, and the claim for secondary service connection for his acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder (now PTSD) has been rated at 50 percent, effective the date of his claim. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including stomach disability, skin disability, leg pain, cognitive disability (claimed as memory loss), dental disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), coronary artery disease, fatigue, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, and a disability characterized by shakiness are all denied.

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 clarification of his diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected as there is no verified in-service stressor. The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder are also not service-connected as they do not result from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is rated at 70 percent disabling since February 29, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have also been met.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with a secondary depressive disorder, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment since January 27, 2010. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The symptoms included depressed mood; anxiety; suspiciousness; chronic sleep impairment; mild memory loss; flattened affect; difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships; suicidal ideation; and obsessional rituals that interfere with routine activities.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 16, 1984, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression and alcohol dependence. The earlier effective dates requested are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after a July 2015 supplemental statement of the case. The issues include service connection for low back disability, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and depression, left ankle disability, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for post-concussive syndrome/traumatic brain injury and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran sustained a concussion in service resulting in TBI. The psychiatric disability is considered to be related to his service-connected TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right foot, and left shoulder disabilities. The gastrointestinal disability was not found to be incurred in or due to his active duty.