Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for dysthymia, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder with PTSD) due to new evidence. The claim is granted as there is a reasonable possibility that the current diagnoses are related to service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is not service-connected.,There is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date for the depressive disorder prior to May 13, 2011.

The previously denied claims for back strain, diabetes mellitus type II, and an acquired mental health condition are reopened. The claim of service connection for asthma is denied.,The previously denied claims for sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and myasthenia gravis are also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and depression. The case is remanded due to incomplete medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. The case is being reviewed de novo due to new evidence added in October 2012. A VA psychiatric examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to service, particularly the sexual assault claimed during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and insufficient verification of his claimed stressors. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination and an attempt at verifying his service-connected stressors.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records, specifically VA treatment records from September 2010 forward. The Veteran is advised to provide these records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The issues of service connection for gout, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and heart disorder are remanded. Service connection for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diverticulitis, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), headaches, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, high blood pressure, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder with depressed mood is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder are granted as service-connected due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evidence.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and an acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder) was granted. The effective date of the grant of service connection for these conditions is August 31, 2012.,An initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability has been denied.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected due to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.,The Veteran's near continuous thirst is not considered a separate disability for compensation purposes and thus denied.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depression, mood disturbances, anger, and panic attacks and therefore not separately service-connected.,The Veteran's left arm disability remains in dispute and requires further examination and evidence.,The Veteran's sleep disability (specifically sleep apnea) is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,The Veteran's prostate disability and left-hand skin disability are both remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiologies, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,reasoning_summary

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the issue was fully granted in a previous decision. The Board also remanded the case to consider an increased rating for low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have rendered him unable to protect himself from daily living hazards, requiring regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations related to his hearing loss, sleep apnea, heart disease, prostate cancer, stroke, and psychiatric disorders. The effective date of service connection remains unresolved.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied, but a new effective date of April 25, 2011, and an increased rating to 70 percent were granted.,PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9411, which considers occupational and social impairment.