Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling since June 6, 2013. The evidence shows significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disability are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his service during Operation Just Cause in Panama, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's service connection claim for cause of death, as well as his entitlement to death pension. The claims are being remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA clinical psychologist.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to June 28, 2016. The issue of TDIU for the period beginning June 28, 2016 is moot due to her combined rating of 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying in-service stressors and obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to obtain VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with notice regarding unavailability of Federal records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to bilateral hearing loss, and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis under VA regulations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including mood disorders and PTSD. The issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and nonservice-connected pension are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic episodes, are found to be etiologically related to his active duty service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depressive disorder, is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private mental health records, providing an addendum opinion from the September 2015 VA examiner regarding PTSD diagnosis related to in-service stressors and whether periods of AWOL are related to a psychiatric disorder, and addressing the Veteran's claims.

The Board finds the preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, and Depression, which is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, groin disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), and respiratory disability (COPD). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an updated psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected upper arm condition, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, are not service-connected as they were not shown to be related to his military service.