Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depression as secondary to residuals of a service-connected gunshot wound.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 50 percent since December 20, 2007. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's depression is service-connected, but his alcoholism claim is denied as it is not due to service. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a 20% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his anxiety disorder, NOS, with a depressive disorder was denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for MDD, GAD and PTSD have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD, MDD and GAD.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating since August 24, 2010.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS is determined to have its onset in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including stressor verification and a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and retrospective assessment of his ability to work prior to January 12, 2010. The issues on appeal are related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and earlier effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's shin splints of both legs and assigned a 10 percent rating effective May 14, 2010. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and unclear treatment history. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed TBI, cognitive disorder, including memory loss and attention deficit disorder, as well as an increased rating for PTSD with depression. The AOJ will consider all evidence since the December 2013 statement of the case during readjudication.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, PTSD with secondary depressive disorder and chronic sleep impairment, and left ankle disability are all granted. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU starting from March 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to his in-service stressor of witnessing a fellow service member catch fire while working on a vehicle, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the disability rating for depression with alcohol abuse, associated with prostate cancer. As a result, the Board dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's rating for rheumatoid arthritis was restored from a reduced 40% to the original 60%. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis affecting his hips and hands. The low back disorder is also found to be related to his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability that is attributable to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 29, 2009, for his service-connected anxiety disorder. The decision stated that there was no evidence showing a claim or appeal prior to this date and that the original denial of depression became final in May 2004.