Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a secondary causation opinion addressing possible aggravation of anxiety and reactive depression by the service-connected seizure disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse disorder was denied because the new evidence submitted did not substantiate his in-service stressor claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 31, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence demonstrates that she is precluded from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment due to her PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, basal cell skin cancer, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's service connection and increased rating claims due to a withdrawal request in May 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to an in-service stressor or other service-connected condition.

The claim for service connection for lymphoma and its residuals has been remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder) also needs to be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder NOS and depression, as these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for a liver disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection of depressive disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The claim will be reconsidered on the merits after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances related to posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression related to posttraumatic stress disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD and MDD related to in-service stressors such as sexual assault, falling off a gun mount, and participation in military operations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and knee disabilities. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records from VA or private providers, as well as any Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to military sexual trauma. Additionally, a VA examination will be conducted for both left and right knee disabilities to determine if they are related to wear and tear during boot camp.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not incurred in service. Service connection was also granted for alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board will now review whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The claim for PTSD is reopened and denied. The Veteran's MDD, already service-connected, remains in effect with a rating of 70%. The claim for SMP based on the need for aid and attendance due to his MDD is also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to missing evidence and need for further medical opinions.