Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the relationship between any acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD and depression) and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective May 30, 2013. The earlier effective date issue for TDIU is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is linked to an in-service personal assault for which there is credible supporting evidence. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders and a psychosis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been presented. The case is now remanded for further development including an examination and attempt to confirm stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development. The issue of nonservice-connected VA disability pension remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, was incurred during active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis related to his left leg fracture, distal fibula. The pre-existing right wrist navicular fracture was not aggravated during ACDUTRA and is not related to service.

Service connection for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of September 22, 2011. Service connection for major depressive disorder was also granted with the same effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and polysubstance abuse, are related to service or other conditions. The examination should address whether these diagnoses are due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing via live videoconference.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depression, was caused by military service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination reports and missing VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depression. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for completion of the requested actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depression have been granted. The claim for service connection on the merits has also been reopened.

The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. His right shoulder disability was also not shown to be related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, shrapnel wounds of both legs, and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other conditions during service that would support these claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.