Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran's PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, as the current evidence does not fully comply with the DSM-V criteria. The Veteran will be scheduled for an appropriate VA examination to determine if he meets the DSM-V criteria for these conditions and whether they are related to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for left ankle disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression. The claim of service connection for acne with scarring is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the acquired psychiatric disorder claim. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is granted. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The issues include whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of depression, and entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50% since March 5, 2013. An effective date of March 5, 2013, for the grant of service connection has been granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted starting from October 24, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and notifying the Veteran of his rights regarding PTSD claims based on in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding his skin conditions and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, MDD, and GAD, as well as an aspirin allergy. Service connection for neurobehavioral effects secondary to exposure to Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water is denied.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD, depression, and sleep apnea was dismissed as the claim had been granted in full prior to the Board's consideration.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS has been granted a 100% rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and degenerative joint diseases in multiple areas of the body, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional evidence and examination, as well as clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, but has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected due to a diagnosed condition linked to an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons or bases for denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression and anxiety. The Veteran's representative requests a VA examination and opinion regarding his emotional state in service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from January 24, 2017. He previously had a 70 percent rating for the condition prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for further development of his records and stressor verification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded. The Veteran also has claims for higher ratings for his service-connected prostate cancer residuals and erectile dysfunction which are being remanded as well.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it due to lack of a case or controversy.