Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has granted a separate 50 percent disability rating for posttraumatic neuropathic migraine headaches, and the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right foot fifth metatarsal fracture is also granted. The TDIU issue remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that the preexisting left knee disability was not aggravated by service. Service connection is also granted for a right knee disability.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the previously denied claim for service connection for depression and has reopened the claims for service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and hypertension. The decision on the matter of service connection for congestive heart failure is pending.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities, and the claim for service connection for depression has been granted with a rating of 70 percent effective from March 7, 2011. The appellant is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include diagnoses of adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety. The Veteran's claim for erectile dysfunction is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found no in-service stressor corroborated by evidence, and the Veteran's personality disorder was not subject to superimposed disease or injury during service. The acquired psychiatric disorders were not causally related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and addressing the issue of entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and depression, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated during or by her service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims, including verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and any other psychiatric disabilities. The TDIU claim will be deferred until after the development is completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of clarity regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a VA examination and requests that he provide specific details of his reported stressors. The case is also being remanded to obtain medical records from various facilities.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to September 11, 2014 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and hepatitis C were not found to warrant higher ratings, and his TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder and recurrent panic disorder, has been rated at 50 percent since September 1, 2006. This rating is based on symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep impairment, nightmares, and frequent panic attacks.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and cognitive disorder, were not caused by service or any aspect of it. The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of diagnosis.