Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition, back condition and migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia, initially manifested in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right toe disorder, a back disorder, a sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depression due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of left fourth finger fracture is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which necessitates a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for schizophrenic reaction and granted service connection for depression. The Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for service connection for major depressive disorder prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and panic disorder with agoraphobia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that his current conditions did not manifest during service and are not causally or etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a hearing on appeal.

The Board found no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depression, as the Veteran did not submit a claim prior to May 12, 2010. The January 2011 rating decision is considered final.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD, is found to be related to his service experiences. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of service-connected headache disorder and review of the claims for anxiety and depression with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, left breast gynecomastia, and shortness of breath.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's daughter was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to turning 18 years old, and thus does not meet the criteria for 'helpless child' benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the Veteran's contentions regarding in-service events and their relation to his current psychiatric disorders. The issue of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder will be re-evaluated based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was rated at 50 percent prior to July 29, 2013.,Since July 29, 2013, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, primarily PTSD with major depressive disorder, has caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total impairment. The VA determined that a higher initial rating of 70 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, leaving no issues for further consideration.