Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and treatment records, as the current information in the file is outdated.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that he cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his psychiatric impairments.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, as well as the severity of his scar disabilities. The VA examiner will also need to clarify whether any drug-related disability is due to the service-connected left ankle disability or willful misconduct.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not etiologically related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental addendum opinion from the December 2016 VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's depressive disorder is caused or aggravated by active duty service, and alternatively, if it is secondary to his service-connected disabilities (right knee disability, cervical spine disability, radiculopathy).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric conditions and orthopedic issues, have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that he requires this assistance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee degenerative joint disease and instability, as well as depressive disorder, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful occupation.

The VA examiner found no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, to his military service. The earliest documented diagnosis of a psychiatric condition was in 1996, nine years after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss have reduced his capacity for working closely with other employees or customers, but are not severe enough to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD, Depression, or Pedophilia. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no credible evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and substance use disorder, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder disabilities. The TDIU issue is being remanded as part of this decision.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for all issues, including service connection claims and an increased rating claim.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of his military service and the criteria for service connection are not met.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA psychiatric examination and issuance of a statement of the case on increased ratings for abdominal adhesions and subluxation of the mandible.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, delusional behavior, and PTSD. The evidence now supports a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by his service-connected conditions, including congestive heart failure. The cause of death listed on the revised death certificate was pneumonia.