Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and major depressive disorder. The Veteran was not provided with an examination or opinion regarding her hypertension, as there are outstanding records of her periods of active duty, inactive duty training (INACTDUTRA), and active duty for training (ACTDUTRA). Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of her major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depression, and panic disorder have been rated at 50 percent since November 13, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression was granted, effective February 15, 2008. The decision is based on the new evidence received after his initial claim and VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has not decided the service connection claims for left leg and low back disabilities. The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claims of myopia, heart disability, and prostate cancer is denied due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for depression was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a depressive disorder and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his depressive disorder, as well as incomplete information on his employment status.

Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to September 9, 2014 and on or after September 9, 2014 is remanded. His claim for a compensable rating for anal fissure is remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for headaches, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depressive disorder) require further examination and opinion to determine their etiology and service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 15, 2009, for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is denied. The appeal regarding the remaining issues is dismissed due to withdrawal of appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if she warrants an increased rating. Additionally, her TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated evidence and notification of what is required to substantiate this issue.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically major depressive disorder and anxiety.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders due to incomplete records, including prison medical records. The case will be processed as though the request for a hearing had been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the failure to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) after adding new VA medical records and private treatment records from Dr. H. J.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression and a sleep disorder have been reopened, but the evidence does not support these conditions being related to his military service. Therefore, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance. The Board has remanded to determine if TDIU should be granted prior to May 21, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete treatment records, and requests that the RO obtain relevant VA treatment records from June 2015 to present and from March 2014 to present. The claim for service connection is based on a secondary theory of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and needs further examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities had their onset during service or are related to in-service events.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding their onset.,Service connection is not granted for any of these conditions as there is insufficient evidence linking them to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, lumbar degenerative disc disease/arthritis, major depression, lumbar radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis (left foot), and right shoulder osteoarthritis. As a result, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.