Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and panic disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical evidence linking his symptoms to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder was incurred in service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds his depression related to service. The Board also found no evidence linking sleep apnea to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the Veteran. The Board also dismissed his claim for major depressive disorder as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically depression, warrants a rating of 70 percent.,The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or event and no credible statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.,The Board also denied service connection for depression, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or event and no credible statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA psychiatric evaluations and a new examination by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for hypertension, recurrent headaches, and a depressive disorder. Further development is required regarding the diabetes mellitus, testicular disorder, lumbosacral spine, right ankle, and right knee claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities and issuance of a Statement of the Case on the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran's appeal involves the initial rating for major depression and his claim for a TDIU. The Board has remanded these claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, was found to warrant a 70% evaluation effective January 30, 2013. The symptoms were present prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculitis of the left leg disabilities. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right leg is also found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear duty status and need for further medical examinations. The appellant's claims will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's headaches, depression, and right ear hearing loss are all found to be related to service. Tinnitus is also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 1, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as chronic sleep impairment, depression, anxiety, and inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been granted service connection and rated at 50 percent since November 3, 2008. The rating for his major depressive disorder is not addressed as it was not assigned a specific rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for higher initial disability ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, and for allergic rhinitis. Her appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU) is also dismissed.