Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot and ankle disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a compensable rating for his service-connected fracture of the left fifth metatarsal. The decision also determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for right foot and ankle trauma.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and remanded the case for further evidentiary development. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and depression are now before the Board.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking a rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (mixed anxiety depressive disorder).

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and depressive disorder. The evidence received since the March 2008 decision supports a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination in Israel and obtaining any relevant private treatment records. The Veteran's depressive disorder was last examined by a VA examiner over six years ago, and there is evidence suggesting worsening symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression due to lack of credible in-service stressors. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied.

The Veteran's lung disability is not rated as compensable on a schedular basis, but his claim for extraschedular evaluation has been remanded.,Service connection for depression secondary to the service-connected calcified pleural plaques disability was granted. The Veteran's chest pain is considered a symptom of his lung disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence has been rated at 70 percent since May 18, 2009. The appeal is denied as the disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Anxiety Disorder, NOS with subclinical features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety, and Depressive Disorder, NOS, is found to be service-connected. The Board also finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses for his back, wrists, and shoulders conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, were not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and associated depression and anxiety, are etiologically related to his active service.

During the period from September 24, 2000 to July 27, 2009, the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depression, and muscular tenderness of unclear etiology) more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,During the pendency of the appeal, service connection was established for cognitive dysfunction, status post TBI, effective July 27, 2009. The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected psychiatric disorder and for a TDIU were received by VA on September 24, 2001.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity and impact of his PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, depressive disorder, and mood disorder. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are as likely as not attributable to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO by way of videoconference due to the Veteran's request. The appeal is not yet certified for appellate review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is related to her service in Germany.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a lung condition related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.,Regarding depression, the Board noted there is no medical evidence linking any current mental health condition with service. The Veteran's post-service treatment records show his later developed depression was due to work-related stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to assess his back disability, depression, hallux valgus, and TDIU claims. The Veteran should also be provided VCAA notice as to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's diagnosed anxiety disorder NOS and depression are at least as likely as not related to his period of active duty, and the Board grants service connection for these conditions.