Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and whether it is related to service, as well as any other psychiatric disorder. Updated VA treatment records are also required.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information from SSA.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than depression) as there is no current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected depression alone is of sufficient severity to preclude substantially gainful employment as an auto parts salesman from December 31, 2015, but not earlier.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The cases are now remanded for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disorder (claimed as depression with suicidal tendencies) was reopened, and he is now granted service connection. His left ankle strain is also granted, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and need for a new examination using DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is recognized as potentially relevant, but no specific exposure basis (e.g., burn pit, Agent Orange) is mentioned.

The Board granted service connection for chronic mouth ulcers (pemphigus) and bilateral peripheral vascular disease, but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The diagnoses are considered direct rather than due to a presumption or undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotion and conduct, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is found to be attributable to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a mental disorder, including panic disorder and depression.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a retroactive medical opinion regarding when the Veteran was first diagnosed with an acquired psychiatric disorder, as the current evidence is insufficient.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), IBS, and TDIU are all granted. The rating for IBS is increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his depressive disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his depressive disorder under the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected status post total right knee arthroplasty caused him to fall and shoot himself in the left tibia resulting in a left tibia disorder. The Veteran also has an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) that was rated at 70% from October 18, 2012 to November 3, 2013 and February 1, 2014 to present.,From November 4, 2013 to January 31, 2014, the Veteran's depression was rated at 100% due to hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, anxiety disorder, and affective psychosis NOS, is being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the May 2017 decision, including failing to provide an adequate statement of reasons and bases for its findings regarding the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses and periods of sobriety. The case must be remanded for a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notification and scheduling of a VA examination for the Veteran's depression. The examiner is requested to determine if the Veteran's depressive symptoms are separate from his service-connected PTSD, and whether they are related to his military service.