Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD does not result in deficiencies in most areas, and the claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the appellant's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and depressive disorder, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder has been granted, with an effective date of August 2, 2010. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for PTSD, reopening of service connection claims for muscle tension and hypertension, and entitlement to a TDIU due to unresolved issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to an inadequate July 2010 VA examination and because of SSA disability benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and history of polysubstance abuse in sustained full remission, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 27, 2012 for PTSD with depressive disorder NOS and her TDIU claim were both denied as she was not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety has been rated at 30 percent since March 15, 2011. The symptoms have caused occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective from December 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to have developed as a result of traumatic events in service including his fear of hostile military activity, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his depressive disorder and cervical spine disability, as well as reopening of a previously denied low back disorder claim. The effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was also not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD due to MST with depression and anxiety attacks. The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, back condition with sciatica, and non-service connected pension are dismissed as she withdrew these issues from appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not causally related to her active duty service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a BVA hearing at his local VA office. The issues of increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have not been shown to present a disability picture that warrants an increased rating beyond 70 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for further development, including verification of a stressor event in service and an examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Veteran's chronically recurrent episodes of blurred vision are caused by medications taken for his service-connected right knee disability, and the Board has determined that service connection is warranted.