Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches are all under review.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for panic disorder (without agoraphobia) with anxiety and depression is granted at a 70 percent level throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression was granted a 70 percent disability rating prior to September 13, 2017. A 100 percent disability rating is granted beginning on September 13, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment, entitling him to a TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, is rated at 70 percent disabling throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of February 2, 2012. The decision resolves ambiguity regarding the intent to withdraw his claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and orthopedic disabilities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU on schedular basis as he meets the criteria for one disability rated 60% or more and at least one disability rated at 40% or more with sufficient additional disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, has been reopened. The evidence received since the March 2016 rating decision is sufficient to reopen the claim as it relates to a previously unestablished fact (PTSD). However, the claim remains denied as there is no established diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for depression and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to insufficient evidence. The AOJ is required to obtain updated VA medical records, contact the Veteran for his current contact information, and schedule appropriate VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his in-service personal assault or any other events during service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and PDD have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran witnessed a terrorist bombing at the 1980 Munich, Germany Oktoberfest during his active duty in Germany, which is considered a confirmed in-service event. Both conditions are related to this in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for depression was reopened.,Service connection has been granted for ischemic heart disease as due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, IBS, anxiety, TDIU, and temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization due to the complexity of his medical history and recent evidence.

The Board denied service connection for alcohol dependence disorder secondary to service-connected depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's lay evidence regarding the relationship between his depression and drinking was not credible. The medical opinions provided did not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the case is remanded for additional development. The case is also remanded for a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is related to service-connected disabilities and whether they are aggravated by those conditions. Additionally, the case is remanded for an examination of the Veteran's current employment status and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, psychosis, and PTSD) have been granted. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depression, and alcohol dependency, as due to military sexual trauma (MST), and also denied a higher disability rating for sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal for VR&E benefits to attend law school was denied as he had already obtained a bachelor's degree and extensive administrative experience, which were sufficient for suitable employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia disorder. Additional VA clinical records are needed, and a new addendum opinion is required.