Depression Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of PTSD and major depressive disorder, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and found that there is reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The evidence now supports a finding that the Veteran's depressive disorder NOS is related to active duty service.

The Board has requested a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including paranoid schizophrenia, PTSD, depressive disorder, and substance abuse disorder. The examination is needed due to conflicting statements in the clinical record regarding the presence of pre-service psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for the initial 70 percent rating for his major depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted, as it was factually ascertainable that he had symptoms of this condition at least as early as August 5, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her service-connected major depression with anxious distress is remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need to assess current severity.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations, including a mood disorder examination and an evaluation of his left knee disability in both active and passive motion.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased evaluation for service-connected depressive disorder is remanded due to the submission of new evidence within one year after the November 2011 rating decision. The claim remains pending as no subsequent rating decision addressed this new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for further development of stressor claims. The Veteran's service in Panama is considered, but a definitive opinion on PTSD etiology is needed.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and outstanding VA treatment records. The issues include right shoulder, right ankle, left ankle, neck, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses of an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a need for further development including obtaining an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a link between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service, particularly given his reported incidents of sexual harassment and threats.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from May 8, 2009 to March 20, 2013 and from May 1, 2014 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder caused or aggravated his obesity, and subsequently led to his fatal myocardial infarction and/or ischemic heart disease. The case is being returned for further consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and the Veteran is required to provide additional information about his stressors and undergo a new psychiatric evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to January 16, 2018, for the award of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a 30 percent rating for asthma was denied. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable worsening in the severity of his asthma during the one-year period prior to January 16, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders will be evaluated again by a medical professional.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for PTSD as per DSM-V requirements. The claim was also denied due to lack of evidence linking current symptoms to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to withdrawal. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease, cervical spine, is remanded.