Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA psychiatric examination to address whether any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU for the entire rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depressive disorders have been found to result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 7, 2012.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative joint disease and acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, are found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the AOJ for a new VA examination and extraschedular consideration. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has expanded the claim to include service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective March 31, 2010. The claims for arthritis of the right knee and bilateral leg condition are granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the existence of a current psychiatric disorder and the need for further examination. The Veteran's service records indicate he had symptoms related to depression or excessive worry, but no diagnosis was made during his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is not attributable to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's claims are not yet decided.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is not otherwise related to his active service, including a December 2006 ATV accident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors. The appeal is currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been denied as there is no current medical diagnosis of PTSD and the Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the DSM criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain pertinent records and ensure the Veteran's claims are properly considered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant carcinoid syndrome, claimed as colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depressive disorder. The evidence received since the prior final denial is not new or material.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the requested opinions from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability and major depressive disorder with psychotic features have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.