Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder was denied as no formal or informal claims were received prior to February 14, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an inner head injury with a 10 percent rating effective August 21, 2001. The Veteran's claim is also granted for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations to address the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The remand is due to concerns about the adequacy of the previous medical opinions provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left elbow disability, hernia, vision loss, depression with insomnia, diabetes mellitus, and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities. The decision did not address service connection based on exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War Syndrome.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, MDD, and personality disorder. However, further development is needed as the Veteran's claims are remanded due to outstanding treatment records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated as 30 percent disabling since August 16, 2010. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of ability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since August 25, 2010. The Board found that her symptoms warrant a higher rating of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder, and service connection is granted. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to fibromyalgia. Service connection for fibromyalgia is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed due to his request for withdrawal.

The Veteran has established service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, as his symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his active duty service. However, there is no evidence of a current disability for cold weather injuries or lower back problem/back pain that can be linked to his military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and memory problems. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between his current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

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

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied. The RO granted a 70 percent rating effective June 11, 2012, and a 50 percent rating prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, did not have their onset during service or due to an in-service event. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.