Depression decisions — 2017

The Board found that the reduction of the evaluation for left knee disability from 20 percent to 10 percent effective January 1, 2015 was not proper. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded due to insufficient development.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression. Additionally, he/she is requesting a review to determine if there was clear and unmistakable error in previous rating decisions denying service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, the case is still pending as it needs further development to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition, to include depression, is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria and thus an increased rating is not warranted. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to July 26, 2012, is denied as he does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of a stressor event involving USS Midway in 1964 and consideration of alternative sources of information.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since November 12, 2008. The effective date for this rating is September 30, 2002.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and consideration of all pertinent VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder in Remission and Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, are not related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 50 percent since the onset of his disability, effective from January 1996 to March 22, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(s) from May 4, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and personality disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was found to be at least as severe as a 50 percent disability rating prior to April 6, 2012 and at least as severe as a 70 percent disability rating thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development. The Veteran has requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA mental health examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is related to service. The Veteran's accounts of in-service emotional abuse and exposure to combat are also to be considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for depression, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS and mood disorder NOS are related to his service, including exposure to in-service trauma. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the claim to reopen was unsuccessful. The Veteran's right hand loss of use claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was granted. The Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and established a link between his in-service stressors and his current condition.