Depression Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for breathing condition (emphysema), coronary artery disease, and depression. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the nature of his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and panic disorder. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including PTSD and prostate disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, consisting of PTSD and a depressive disorder, did not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 21, 2015. After this date, the condition resulted in such impairment but was still not severe enough for a higher rating.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS is related to service and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 70 percent, effective from November 5, 2012. The Board has found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms not warranting total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 19, 2011. The claim for higher ratings on other conditions remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of fractures of the fourth and fifth toes of the left foot, bilateral leg disability (lumbar radiculopathy), neck disability, and left hand disability. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder) is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and further development of his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of depressive disorder, NOS is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right ankle arthritis and acquired psychiatric disability are currently rated at 10 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's primary insomnia, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, is rated at 100 percent disabling as of October 21, 2013. The Veteran also has a 70 percent rating for his service-connected primary insomnia prior to that date.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction has been rated at 10 percent since February 16, 2017. The condition is characterized by inter-incisal range of more than 40 mm and lateral excursion greater than 4mm.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted, resolving all doubt in his favor. His acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a cerebral concussion (claimed as a head injury) and a psychiatric disorder are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied as there is no evidence of additional disability resulting from VA treatment in April and May of 2007.

The Board found that the current psychiatric disability is not causally related to service and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating from October 20, 2011 to September 27, 2017. The effective dates for the ratings are provided.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection for PTSD and depression, including verification of an in-service stressor and determination of whether current diagnoses are related to experiences in stockades.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and for a cervical spine disability to obtain VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran is required to provide updated information about his current address, and any outstanding private records must be obtained.