Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were granted service connection, with a 50% initial rating effective February 26, 2007, and a 70% staged evaluation from August 17, 2011. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was also granted effective August 17, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, as secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a right knee examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and cardiomyopathy. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a new hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety/depression, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a 70 percent rating for this condition. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than depressive disorder), to include PTSD, prior to a Board decision. As such, the claim is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, and a request for further investigation into an aircraft accident at Don Muang Airport (Thailand) in 1966.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The claim will also be referred to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and adjudication of his claims, including a psychiatric disorder claim and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with MDD has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive and anxiety disorders are directly related to his service, specifically his in-service left wrist injury. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to clarify the Veteran's current psychiatric disability and determine its etiology, including considering his long history of alcoholism.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from September 15, 2010. He also meets the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, based on his combat experience and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The issue of depression remains pending as it is unclear whether the symptoms are related to PTSD or a separate condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with anxiety and depression, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The appeal was granted to reopen the claim based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's diagnoses of unspecified depressive disorder and insomnia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if his current psychiatric disability, including depression, is related to military service or caused by his service-connected low back disability.