Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-traumatic costochondritis was granted. The issue regarding the combined disability rating and dismissal of his tinnitus claim are pending as they have not been addressed by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. His claim for PTSD has been granted, with a diagnosis of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that a new examination is required to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, as the previous examinations are deemed inadequate. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent, effective February 13, 2003. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder with psychosis, panic attacks, dementia, and psychotic disorder, are found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD in 2010 and his current diagnoses include PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and dementia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled video hearing. He has requested hearings on multiple occasions, and the Board finds this represents good cause for his absence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, kidney disorder, and polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted service connection as it is related to his active military service.,Right ear hearing loss was also granted service connection, with the presumption that noise exposure during service aggravated a pre-existing condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence establishing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, or Adjustment Disorder based on direct evidence and denied his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was granted with an effective date of October 15, 2009.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for PTSD to a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder not otherwise specified. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's bladder disorder, skin disorder of the hands, erectile dysfunction, and increased ratings for sarcoidosis and fecal incontinence. The claims for prostate cancer, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and a heart condition were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. Effective dates earlier than February 25, 2009 for TDIU and DEA benefits were granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be adjudicated again in light of all evidence received.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service. The issues on appeal include seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, which includes PTSD and other conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be etiologically related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service separation form shows he had continuous active service from January 5, 1961 to December 27, 1962. However, his service ended before the start of the Vietnam era and does not meet the criteria for qualifying wartime service as required by law.