Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors and a need for further examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or major depressive disorder, that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted effective January 25, 2010. The effective date is based on the date of her reopened claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lung cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, headaches, and skin disability are all granted. The grants are based on presumptive service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current PTSD is related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for various psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disorders. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to service or any organic brain syndrome.

The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to February 21, 2017.,The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is denied for any rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after verifying the stressor events.

The Veteran's residuals of hysterectomy are granted, while her left ankle disability (secondary to service-connected right ankle strain), right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, lumbar strain, major depressive disorder, and migraines remain remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any current mental health disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed.

The Veteran's initial claim for sleep apnea was denied in July 2007, but he filed a new application to reopen his claim on December 15, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for sleep apnea.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered at least equally severe as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the remaining claims on appeal, including service connection for sleep apnea and cutaneous lupus and skin cancer.

The Board previously denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but the Court has ordered remand due to VA's failure to obtain relevant private treatment records. The Veteran needs an examination and additional information about his psychiatric condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder not otherwise specified and alcohol dependence due to service-connected PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation or causation.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied because the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded three issues: initial rating for PTSD, TDIU, and service connection for the cause of death. Additional medical records are needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, depression, and an initial compensable rating for hepatitis B due to a lack of examination. The claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate.

The Veteran's service connection for major depressive disorder is granted. Increased ratings are granted for his low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy from May 27, 2016. A TDIU determination is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for depression has been denied. The Board remanded the cases regarding TBI and right wrist disability due to lack of current treatment records.