Depression Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders not including PTSD, finding that there was no in-service event associated with the acquired psychiatric disorders. Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a verified stressor.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), to include depressive disorder due to in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim is now pending before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, reopening of diabetes mellitus type II claim, and bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence regarding his claimed exposures and need for further verification. The claims are also inextricably intertwined as a secondary claim for mental disorder is dependent on the outcome of the primary claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD. The case will be reviewed again with additional examinations and evidence.

The Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and migraines, respectively. He is also granted a 10% disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral pes planus with plantar fascial strain remains remanded as additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for service-connected depressive disorder is granted, and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is also granted.

The Board has determined that the issues of an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder and a TDIU rating are inextricably intertwined. Therefore, these matters must be remanded to allow for proper adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder and right eye glaucoma is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran was not provided proper VCAA notice and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since July 20, 2010. A TDIU is granted from that date.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran manifests PTSD due to his military service, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's depression rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The right inguinal hernia rating remains noncompensable due to its postoperative status and lack of true protrusion.

The Board has granted the application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, but has remanded the issues of service connection for these conditions as well as the issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right foot, left foot, vascular, hip, and knee disabilities as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder, all of which are found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected orthopedic injuries.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and TDIU as moot due to the Veteran's current 100% rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence, including a lack of VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's reported stressor could not be verified.