Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of major depression disorder and other mental health conditions that are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and PTSD have been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection in March 2010. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating, as they are consistent with a 30 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues regarding an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and a TDIU. The Board finds that additional development is necessary, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination to evaluate his current PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, respiratory problems, and depression with anxiety prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran died from anoxic brain injury due to aspiration of vomit while under the influence of multiple medications taken for chronic pain, which as likely as not resulted from service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The Board finds that service connection is granted for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder and her service-connected dermatitis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for depression that she believes was caused or worsened by her service-connected skin condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is etiologically related to his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as his current acquired psychiatric disability is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and generalized anxiety disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and did not meet the criteria for service connection. The preponderance of evidence indicated his diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders were not present in service or for many years thereafter, and were not shown to be etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the requested development has not been completed and has therefore remanded the case for further action.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 28, 2015. The Board found that his symptoms warrant this rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion addressing whether his service-connected conditions aggravated his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD with secondary depressive disorder and anxiety, granting his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify stressor events and obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's chronic kidney condition, left leg mass, and depression were not found to be related to his service at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's special monthly pension is granted based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his mental or physical incapacity resulting from diagnosed conditions including dementia, depression, and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and ensure compliance with prior instructions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, did not begin during or due to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.