Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder are caused by his own alcohol abuse, which is not service-connected. Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the symptoms presented.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including a depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder, are related to service and aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder was not incurred or aggravated in active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The symptoms have included depression, anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks that occur weekly or less often, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia, was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected thoracolumbar strain.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and to obtain outstanding medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation counseling folder. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depression will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board is remanding the case to attempt to obtain the Veteran's service personnel records, which may provide information about his early discharge from military service and potentially support his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding an initial rating for MDD and service connection for PTSD. Temporary total disability ratings have been granted due to hospitalization related to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found that a chronic thoracolumbar spine disability was neither incurred in nor aggravated by service and denied the claim. The acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, is also denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, left ear hearing loss, and prostate cancer. The acquired psychiatric disability is attributed to service, left ear hearing loss is as likely as not related to service exposure, and prostate cancer is linked to in-service firefighting duties.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective November 9, 2009. The appeal for higher ratings prior to this date has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression. The case is REMANDED to obtain SSA disability records and VA treatment records from Benton Harbor and Battle Creek facilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for anxiety and depression, finding new and material evidence. The Board also granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran met all criteria including a diagnosis of PTSD, a link to his Gulf War service, and credible supporting evidence of the in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, was granted. The Board found that the evidence supported a diagnosis of PTSD and credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressor. As such, the Veteran is now entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions.