Depression Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression, is not related to his service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is caused by his service-connected disabilities. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized by anxiety and depression, has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the current rating of 50% is appropriate.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating prior to January 14, 2016.

The Veteran's current depression is caused by his service-connected prostate cancer, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has not transferred the case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals due to a transfer delay, and thus the appeal is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected MDD with psychotic features and anxiety disorder, NOS is currently rated at 70 percent. The claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to August 17, 2010 and in excess of 70 percent from August 18, 2010 to January 25, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records from Biloxi, Mississippi. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and Hepatitis C were denied. The claim for an increased disability rating for his low back condition was granted with an effective date of August 21, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) have resulted in no more than a 10 percent disability rating, and his headaches are separately rated. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI or a compensable initial disability rating for headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD with major depression and panic disorder, and agoraphobia is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The appeal for TDIU remains on hold until the increased rating issue is resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is being remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining additional medical clarification and any outstanding records from SSA.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol abuse have been rated at 50 percent since March 1, 2009. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and low back disability are found to have begun in service, with no evidence of pre-service onset or intervening events that would warrant reopening the claims. Both conditions are considered direct service connection cases.,Service records document the Veteran's complaints of psychiatric symptoms during active duty, including insomnia and depression, as well as her current diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Her low back disability is also linked to in-service injuries, with no evidence of pre-service onset or intervening events that would warrant reopening the claims.