Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has ordered a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric condition. The June 2016 VA examiner found that the Veteran suffered from a major depressive disorder, but not posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, are found to be related to service. The Board grants service connection for the Veteran's major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability was denied as there is no evidence of a service-connectable left eye disorder. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for major depressive disorder was granted with a current rating of 30 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and service connection for bilateral shoulder, left knee, left hip, left ankle, and bilateral wrist disorders as secondary to his service-connected right above the knee amputation.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial ratings were granted, with effective dates ranging from May 20, 2002 to April 15, 2004. The Veteran also received a new rating of 10% for her right knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 20, 2005.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that was incurred in, or is otherwise the result of, his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the May 2016 VA medical opinion is inadequate and remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records from Central Alabama VA HCS, requesting SSA disability benefits decision, and providing a VA examiner with an updated review of the evidence to provide opinions on whether any previously or currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities began during service or were casually related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a social anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. The schizoaffective disorder is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, while his claim for a general acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD was denied. The decision is mixed as it addresses both issues.

The Veteran's service-connected depression has been rated at 50 percent since April 2010, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for anxiety disorder, but PTSD was not established. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and to clarify which issues from the January 2009 notice of disagreement were intended to be appealed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to additional development required, including translation of SSA records and referral to the Director of Compensation Service for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination. The issue remains whether she is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as a nervous disorder and depression. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted for dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety Disorder NOS, and Major Depressive Disorder in remission. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity he experienced while serving in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and migraine headaches with eye pain have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC).