Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD has not been manifested by total social and occupational impairment, so the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder with anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities.,An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied, as the evidence does not show that it requires insulin or a restricted diet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board due to missed hearings and conflicting address information.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder as it is not related to the Veteran's service-connected GERD. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, providing VCAA notice regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and scheduling a VA psychiatric evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hand disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral knee disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to active duty service and was not aggravated by such service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and substance abuse, do not meet the criteria for service connection due to inconsistencies in his statements about in-service events and lack of a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, dysthymia and depressive disorder NOS, a back disability, hypertension, and prostate cancer. The acquired psychiatric disorder is presumed due to herbicide exposure during the Gulf War. Service connection was denied for edema of the lower extremities, heart disability, and dental condition.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before the RO. The claims of service connection and TDIU will be considered further.

The Veteran's degenerative neurologic disorder, including essential tremors or a central nervous system disorder, was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and VA clinic records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS is secondary to his service-connected subtotal gastrectomy, and he has a current diagnosis of depression. The claim for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is rated at 70 percent since the grant of service connection, and he has been granted secondary service connection for hypertension and CAD. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, is related to his active service in Korea. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is as likely as not related to his active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements concerning the onset and continuity of his psychiatric symptoms credible.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining all relevant medical records. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for his mood disorder and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with the earlier effective date issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.