Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cognitive or acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, bipolar II disorder, and a mood disorder NOS, to include as due to chemical exposure is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on whether his service-connected hearing loss has aggravated his depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with a bulging disc have been rated appropriately, and he is granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations for his left index finger scar, right wrist SFW residuals, and right chest SFW with damage of the extrinsic muscle group I.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and he now has a diagnosis of depressive disorder. The issue of residuals of cold exposure remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service records and medical records, as well as to seek an addendum opinion regarding his eye disorders. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, right eye conjunctivitis, and acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded.

The Veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate, thus he is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his hearing impairment did not meet VA compensation criteria and his psychiatric condition was not related to service. The Veteran is currently service-connected for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a travel board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder. The right eye disorder (cataract) claim is remanded due to the lack of a Statement of Claim (SOC).

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were found to be incurred as a result of his active duty, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA mental disorders examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sinusitis or allergic rhinitis that may be related to his active service. However, he was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder with depression).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and dementia, along with his secondary alcohol dependence, contributed to his death from renal failure due to encephalopathy. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disability was a contributory cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and examination, including an opinion on whether any current psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability was not incurred or aggravated in ADT service and denied his claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability of depression had its onset during active service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is now rated at 40 percent from May 26, 2015, resolving his appeal for a higher rating. His TDIU claim remains pending as he meets the schedular criteria but may require further consideration due to additional service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive and cognitive disorders is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 23, 2012. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the condition prior to that date. As a result, the issue of entitlement to TDIU remains moot.