Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and consent to obtain private records.

From October 1, 2006 to November 20, 2015, the Veteran's major depressive disorder was manifested by chronic sleep impairment, depression, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiety; collectively, these symptoms are of the type and extent, frequency, or severity, as appropriate, to indicate no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Since November 20, 2015, the Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by chronic sleep impairment, suicidal ideation, depression, lack of motivation, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, outbursts of anger, and anxiety; collectively, these symptoms are of the type and extent, frequency, or severity, as appropriate, to indicate no more than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, arthritis of the left knee, and arthritis of the right knee. The evidence submitted did not demonstrate that these conditions began in or were caused by military service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum to the September 2015 VA examination report.

The Board is unable to make a decision based on the available record and has ordered further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, but dismissed the Veteran's claim regarding COPD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since March 11, 2014 and prior to that date. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the appellant's SSA records, military dependent treatment records, and medical opinions. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional service treatment records and a new VA examination. The right ankle condition claim will be reconsidered, while the major depressive disorder rating claim will require further review.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and specific phobia, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated according to the criteria set forth in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The hypertension has been assigned a 10 percent rating, and the right and left ankle disabilities have each been assigned a 20 percent rating. The PTSD and MDD have been assigned a 30 percent rating effective July 28, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to in-service personal assaults, and her psychiatric disorders are related to this stressor. The left leg disability claim was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted prior to March 26, 2007. However, his duodenal ulcer disease remains rated at 20 percent and no higher.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected dyschezia with abnormal anal sphincter relaxation with attempted defecation, effective from August 16, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder, with mixed anxiety and depression, has been found to warrant a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received and a need for a VA examination.