Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that her current diagnosis is related to military sexual trauma during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected PTSD with depression and anxiety is remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from November 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, are related to his time in active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service symptoms and treatment, and a link between his current condition and service. The Board found that the Veteran's depression was related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea, but denied direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records regarding the Veteran's performance evaluations during his military service, which may provide evidence corroborating his reports of assault and harassment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from October 18, 2008 through November 17, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities making it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The decision is based on the severity of his back strain and depression.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of reopening his PTSD claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for right elbow disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, Arnold Chiari Malformation, and headaches. These claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depression is related to her active duty service, and thus grants service connection for depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records do not show a diagnosis of or treatment for PTSD or major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent throughout the appeal period, subject to criteria applicable to payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Chronic Headache Disorder (claimed as Migraine headaches with vascular disease), and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (claimed as PTSD with Depression) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted for IBS and his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD. The remaining claims have been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, resulting in its dismissal.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the R-1 or R-2 level is remanded due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records. The AOJ should obtain these records and conduct further development as needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and CAD were denied initial ratings higher than the currently assigned ones. The diabetes mellitus was granted a 20 percent rating from November 14, 2008 to March 3, 2009.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is caused and/or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically TBI with cognitive disorder, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.