Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, special monthly compensation based on housebound status and/or aid and attendance, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. Additional development is needed, including obtaining treatment records, verifying ACDUTRA service dates, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizophrenia, are service-connected due to evidence showing symptoms during and shortly after service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD was reopened, and the claim is granted. A compensable rating of 10% for GERD from July 22, 2009 forward is also granted. The increased rating for migraines remains denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective March 8, 2010. The decision also granted a TDIU beginning on the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current depressive disorder is related to his service. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, emphysema, anxiety disorder, depression, back condition, jaw condition, and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder are being remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and major depressive disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder related to active service.

The Board has found a duty to assist error occurred and remands the case for further action, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his unspecified depressive disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease and/or unspecified depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, PTSD, and depression. The Board found no causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's depressive disorder may be related to his service, but needs further evidence and a medical opinion to determine this. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back and psychiatric disorders due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service in Kuwait.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and a major depressive disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The case will be reviewed with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent from June 22, 2004 to February 8, 2015. The effective date for this grant is June 22, 2004.