Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to service, and therefore grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depression not otherwise specified is dismissed as a matter of law. The Board found that the claimant did not raise a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the December 2010 rating decision, which became final.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify reported stressors and obtain a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and an addendum opinion to reconcile conflicting medical evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and a major depressive disorder, are related to his service-connected low back disability. Therefore, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathies are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since August 19, 2009, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, and depression are related to his service in Vietnam. The Veteran's stressors during service have been confirmed by his service records, and he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on his reported experiences. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is etiologically related to active duty service and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, did not originate in service or within one year thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause incapacity that requires regular aid and assistance of another person to dress, perform basic hygiene tasks such as bathing, and to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board finds the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, but her TDIU claim is granted prior to the effective date of her PTSD rating increase.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Chronic Depression and Anxiety, which the Board finds to be related to his service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include as due to Agent Orange herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected. The Board also finds no evidence of any other acquired psychiatric disorder (other than depression and PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to address the claimed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issue of service connection will be reconsidered based on the examination results and any additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded as the VA has not yet conducted a traditional C&P examination to determine if his condition was caused by or had its onset in military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and migraine headaches, have met the percentage requirements for a TDIU from January 15, 2008 to August 31, 2015. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether her service-connected psychiatric disorders prevented her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.