Depression decisions — 2018

The Board denied an earlier effective date for non-service connected pension benefits, finding that the Veteran was not permanently and totally disabled from non-service connected disabilities prior to June 5, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's depressive disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a stressor during service and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD and related psychiatric disorders, but has remanded the case to determine if a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder exists and its etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for psoriasis and major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The VA treatment records are not currently associated with the claims file, so they need to be obtained.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and hepatitis C, but granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic and anxiety features. The Veteran's claim for headaches is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of November 7, 2003. The grant was based on new evidence provided by the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC), which verified a stressor that occurred during his military service.

The Veteran's right wrist cyst and PTSD are both denied increased ratings. The right wrist cyst is rated at 10 percent, effective from December 14, 2015. The PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision also requires further examination and research into the Veteran's reported in-service experiences.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding his psychiatric disorders and vocal cord disability.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, which represents a higher rating than the previous 30 percent. The TDIU was granted.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and requires a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and tinnitus are remanded due to new evidence submitted since previous decisions. The issues have been reopened but further development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD and insomnia is rated at 70 percent, but the Board has granted a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and schizophrenia, finding that his current psychiatric disorders had their onset during service or are otherwise related to active service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The VA needs to obtain private treatment records and schedule a VA examination for an opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand several claims, including service connection for a foot disability and increased evaluations for knee disabilities. The Veteran's substance abuse disorder is also being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty in whether the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD or any other mental disorder, and if so, whether it is related to his military service. A new VA examination will be conducted to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's TBI, depressive disorder NOS, and PTSD are currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, hypertension, neuropathy of the feet and legs, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and depression due to potential exposure to herbicides while serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam. The claim for service connection for a headache condition is also remanded.