Depression Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his service. The VA needs to schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess his current condition and its etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder, specifically his self-medication with alcohol and suppression of symptoms prior to seeking treatment in 2010.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine if the Veteran had a major depressive disorder and/or PTSD in February 2005, which would affect the effective date of service connection. The issues of an earlier effective date and initial disability rating for Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are most closely aligned with the criteria for a 50 percent disability evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the pre-existence and aggravation of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The claim will be returned for a new VA supplemental opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder on a secondary basis to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses include depressive disorder not otherwise specified and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, which may be related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent, but he asserts that his disability causes more severe occupational and social impairment. The Board finds additional development necessary due to the lack of recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current depression is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development. The effective date of benefits is not addressed in this decision.

The Board granted service connection for low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, mesothelioma, an abnormal heart disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, hypertension, metabolic syndrome to include insulin resistant disorder and/or diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and depression secondary to medical condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation in excess of the current amount was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher level of SMC.

The Veteran's claims for major depressive disorder and PTSD have been denied, while the claim for sleep apnea is being remanded. The decision on service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as new and material evidence has been received. The appeal is remanded to obtain VA treatment records, Workers' Compensation records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another or being housebound.