Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that her current diagnosis of Unspecified Depressive Disorder is consistent with diagnoses rendered shortly after service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric diagnosis during the appeal period. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with an earlier directive to obtain private treatment records from the University of Wisconsin Hospital psychiatry ward. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for these records, and VA will attempt to obtain them.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including myxoid liposarcoma and lymphedema. The issues were not addressed based on a presumption due to exposure to ionizing radiation or other specific service environment.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development due to concerns about the severity of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and his ability to engage in sedentary employment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling prior to March 28, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximate a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, finding that there is no competent or credible evidence to support a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records. The issue of TDIU as a result of service-connected disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include depression, is remanded.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for a left knee disability and remanded both issues of service connection. The major depressive disorder issue is also remanded to obtain clarification on the severity and nature of symptoms.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, are granted as service connected. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to the lack of a qualifying stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if he is entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is denied. The appeal regarding the Degenerative Joint Disease and Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, was not incurred in service and the claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the final November 2007 rating decision, which relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate claims of service connection for PTSD and a mood disorder. The Veteran's claim is now recharacterized as one for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to missing service treatment records and other issues. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional information about his military service, including any places of treatment during his second period of active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder (NOS) has been rated at 70 percent since April 11, 2016. Prior to that date, a rating in excess of 30 percent was granted but not for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD claim, left great toe injury service connection claim, and thoracolumbar spine condition service connection claim are all denied. The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety has been granted a temporary increased rating from August 21, 2012 to February 11, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.