Depression decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and his acquired psychiatric disorder is not attributable to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to March 16, 2007, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's claim was not received within one year of his separation from active duty and no earlier specific claims were found.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected depression has been granted, with the effective date being November 15, 2012.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected knee disability. His right knee disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying military service. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as his right foot disability. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain SSA disability records and any relevant VA treatment records from the Loma Linda and Richmond VA healthcare systems.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an addendum opinion and further development due to inconsistencies in the examination findings and treatment records. The case is also remanded to obtain verification of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors involving a fellow serviceman being accidentally beheaded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The case is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities affect her ability to work, either individually or in aggregate. The AOJ will then re-adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by symptoms resulting in reduced occupational and social impairment, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, dissociative disorder, and depressive disorder, did not have their onset during service or due to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain SSA disability records and any relevant VA treatment records from the Loma Linda and Richmond VA healthcare systems.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran meets criteria for PTSD and other mental disorders. The examiner is also asked to determine if any of these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of depression and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's mental health diagnoses and their relation to service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a new examination by an examiner other than those who conducted previous examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Type II, a lumbar spine disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression), sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD).

The Veteran's headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service and are not secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's PTSD with depression and cannabis abuse is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is warranted.