Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the May 2016 SOC. The issue will be re-adjudicated and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) will be provided if necessary.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to his service, including his participation in the crash cleanup. The appeal was denied.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Therefore, service connection for these psychiatric disorders is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from February 23, 2013 and 70 percent from April 18, 2013. His bilateral hearing loss is rated at 0 percent (non-compensable), and his tinnitus is also rated at 0 percent (non-compensable). The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his ocular surface disease, lumbosacral strain with 50 percent L1 compression, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have Bell's palsy or dysphonia, and his acquired psychiatric disorder, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss are not related to service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and chronic depressive disorder. The Veteran's combined rating is now at the level required for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during active service or within one year of separation. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's psychiatric and sleep disorders were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed depression.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for alcohol hallucinosis and an increased rating for skin disability due to further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and considering the TDIU claim in light of the acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 1, 2010 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms equivalent in severity to those corresponding to a 70 percent rating since October 7, 2015. The TDIU claim was denied as the service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from October 7, 2015 to February 16, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for an addendum opinion from a physician with occupational and/or vocational expertise.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's MDD and PTSD are related to his military service, including an incident where he repaired a malfunctioning oxygen generator on board the USS Ohio. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, has been rated at 70 percent since December 26, 2013.