Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depression is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess its severity.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are not adequate for adjudication of the service connection claims, particularly regarding the etiology of the diagnosed conditions. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded two issues: the initial rating for degenerative lumbar disc disease and the TDIU claim. The Veteran's treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and vocational rehabilitation records are needed to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to new evidence being added to his file, including VA treatment records. The claims include service connection for various conditions related to scleroderma and other disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for psychosis or mental illness, left and right hip disability, major depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU is denied as he did not have qualifying wartime service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and review, including service connection claims and an earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims and one related to the effective date of additional compensation based on having a dependent spouse.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder was denied, and he was granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his MDD, but determined that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and a cervical spine disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection remains denied as there is no clear evidence that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection has not been established for left ear infection, colon cancer, stroke, or low back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression. The evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD related to his in-service airplane crash landing and that it is at least as likely as not that he also has an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression) that is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to verifying claimed stressors and obtaining medical records from Berlin, Germany.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to Agent Orange and stressors related to his service at Charleston Naval Base. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information for verification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is granted. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, arranging a medical opinion to differentiate PTSD symptoms from other diagnosed conditions, and addressing the Veteran's request for payment as a Veteran with two dependents.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression. Service connection was denied for shin splints.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

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

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety are related to service, including his allegations of handling personal effects of deceased soldiers and moving caskets. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, major depressive disorder, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and hepatitis C with chronic fatigue are remanded due to the need for additional development.