Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The case is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities affect her ability to work, either individually or in aggregate. The AOJ will then re-adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by symptoms resulting in reduced occupational and social impairment, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, dissociative disorder, and depressive disorder, did not have their onset during service or due to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain SSA disability records and any relevant VA treatment records from the Loma Linda and Richmond VA healthcare systems.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran meets criteria for PTSD and other mental disorders. The examiner is also asked to determine if any of these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of depression and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's mental health diagnoses and their relation to service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a new examination by an examiner other than those who conducted previous examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Type II, a lumbar spine disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression), sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD).

The Veteran's headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service and are not secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's PTSD with depression and cannabis abuse is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted. The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of his active service and depressive disorder secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorder, as these conditions are linked to the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer. Service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of VA treatment records from 1996 to 2011 and an addendum opinion by a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including a new VA examination and review of additional VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorder is not causally related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder) is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or major depressive disorder and therefore service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is denied, but grants service connection for a depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his in-service stressors and mental health issues.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD and allergic rhinitis do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.