Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since September 8, 2011. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher initial rating in excess of 70 percent for her major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The remand includes obtaining an updated medical opinion that considers the Veteran's reported in-service experiences and symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer are rated at the maximum allowable rating, and his other disabilities do not render him unemployable. Therefore, he is denied an increased rating for his prostate cancer disability and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions did not manifest during any period of military service and were not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disorder.,The Veteran died from renal cell carcinoma, which was not service connected.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran has been granted a TDIU since January 8, 2007 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, and personality disorder, NOS (with antisocial and paranoid traits), are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD. The Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and MDD are associated with his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's incarceration, which has hampered VA's duty to assist. The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions including head injury, depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, PTSD, substance abuse, genital herpes, hepatitis C, and joint and muscle pain.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a travel board hearing, and the need to schedule such a hearing before the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service mental health treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is characterized as an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes major depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and opinions regarding service connection for various conditions, including benign prostate hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, GERD, PUD, chronic colitis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of both hips, degenerative joint disease of both knees, and degenerative joint disease of both feet.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for award of a schedular TDIU, and these disabilities are not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors or combat experience. The Veteran's personality disorder was found not to be a disease or injury for VA compensation purposes. There is no competent opinion linking any current acquired psychiatric disorders to service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the underlying claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a new VA psychiatric evaluation and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is caused or aggravated by her service-connected migraines.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete examination opinions and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU has been granted, effective from May 20, 2005. The other issues on appeal have been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, sleeplessness and a left leg disability are remanded for additional development.