Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, but the case is REMANDED to obtain a new VA examination to address whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined evaluation of 70 percent, qualifying him for TDIU as of October 28, 2016. The claim for home adaptation grant or specially adapted housing is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, that is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder, and depression, is service-connected. The bilateral perforated eardrums and recurrent ear infections are also found to be service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. The Veteran's current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current PTSD and MDD are causally linked to his active service, including verified in-service stressors. Therefore, service connection for PTSD with MDD is granted.

The Veteran's depression with anxious distress has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and a need for further development of the record.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder was granted with an effective date of March 10, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also granted with an effective date of March 10, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a left shoulder disorder, and major depressive disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected hearing loss. The TDIU claim will also be addressed in light of any new psychiatric symptoms reported by the Veteran.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Board has recharacterized the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the current records do not provide sufficient information to make a decision on the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder. Therefore, a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected impaired sphincter control, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids. The Board grants service connection for depression as secondary to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete record, specifically the in-patient hospitalization records from Fort Ord, California. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is currently March 7, 2011, and the Veteran's claim may be eligible for a prior effective date based on new evidence.