Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in writing.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Depression, was rated at a 50 percent prior to November 2, 2011. The appeal for a higher rating in excess of 70 percent on and after November 2, 2011 has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to assess the etiologies of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and depressive disorder. The examiner must consider the hazing incident in August 1981 as a potential stressor.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his depression is at least as likely as not due to his service-connected cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right and left upper extremities, and tinnitus. The issue of a separate compensable rating for scar residuals of the cervical spine disability and initial compensable rating for chronic headaches associated with cervical spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which approximates the criteria for such impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Recurrent Major Depression, were incurred during his service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is found to be secondary to his service-connected nodulocystic acne disability. The issue of a higher rating for the nodulocystic acne prior to June 10, 2011, and from that date onward remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically headaches and right eye disability. Therefore, service connection for depression was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required before service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for dysthymic disorder with major depression and PTSD, from July 1, 2005 to January 5, 2010, has been withdrawn. The issue of TDIU prior to July 1, 2005 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the VA Office of Inspector General investigation report and an addendum medical statement.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an unspecified anxiety disorder with depression and alcohol dependency is granted. Service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's subscapular bursitis of the left shoulder is rated at 20 percent since January 3, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if the Veteran meets DSM-IV/DSM-V criteria for PTSD and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with prior Board directives.

The Veteran's depression and PTSD have been rated at the highest possible level (100%) since November 5, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's incarceration and lack of VA examination. The AOJ is instructed to take all reasonable measures to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran, including contacting the correctional facility or sending a VA examiner to conduct the examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety in crowds, panic attacks, chronic sleep disturbance, lack of motivation/interest, increasing social isolation, irritability/angry outbursts, and difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships. The VA has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and all issues on appeal have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further analysis of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for residuals of fracture, left acromion process and segmental fracture and residuals of a head/brain injury. The remaining issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, major depression, anxiety, impulse control disorder) is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.