Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pending appeals for increased evaluations and service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist fracture residuals, Peyronie's Disease, and urinary incontinence as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim of entitlement to service connection for depression was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of GERD, depressive disorder, and a heart disability, is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder with anxiety, are found to be related to an in-service personal assault. The left knee disorder is also service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. A sleep apnea examination will be conducted to determine if the condition began in service or is related to service. An acquired psychiatric disorder examination will also be conducted to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is etiologically related to in-service stressor events, and therefore service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and gastrointestinal disability have been granted. The PTSD is due to combat stressors during service, while the gastrointestinal issues are linked to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA psychiatric examination in order to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service or active anxiety.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral ear disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and PTSD. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing in-service stressors or chronic conditions that could be presumed due to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for residuals of spinal meningitis was reopened, but denied as new evidence did not establish a diagnosis in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, are found to be related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide him with a VA examination regarding his psychiatric disorder. The issues of service connection for major depressive disorder, reopening a claim for cervical spine disorder, and increased rating for lumbar spine disability are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance in 2013 was denied as the items claimed did not qualify under VA regulations. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information from a VA examiner or designee of the Undersecretary for Health.