Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection were dismissed as the decisions assigning the effective dates have become final.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board has not yet issued a statement of the case on the issues of entitlement to earlier effective dates for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) related to service. The preponderance of evidence indicates these conditions are not linked to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD claim cannot be granted as there is no valid service stressor supporting a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran was denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete actions from previous remands. The Veteran's hearing request was not accommodated, and a new videoconference hearing is scheduled at the Nashville VARO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with all other psychiatric conditions being considered as a result of his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and/or anxiety, due to new and material evidence. The Board also granted service connection for this condition as it is likely related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have diagnosed PTSD that is incurred in or related to his military service.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for major depression, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. These conditions are all found to have onset in service.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of any back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnosis and whether it is at least as likely as not related to her military service, including a reported assault while on active duty. The Veteran's claim remains in remand status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for seizures and major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the relevant periods.

The Veteran's current diagnosed depression and anxiety are likely secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to the service-connected disabilities.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in representation and other procedural issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for ruptured breast implants secondary to a mammogram conducted in June 2004, finding that there was no legal basis for awarding benefits due to the mammogram not being performed by a VA employee or at a VA facility.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for updated psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a risk factor of receiving blood transfusions during active military service. The claim for psychosis was denied as there was no qualifying wartime service period under which the benefit could be sought. Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 50 percent prior to March 1, 2013. From March 1, 2013, the Veteran's condition warranted a 100 percent rating.