Depression Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for hearing loss, left ear and sleep apnea. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (specifically major depressive disorder) is granted as service-connected.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA records and schedule a psychiatric examination, as the current evaluation is for an initial claim of PTSD with depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, had onset during his active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of generalized anxiety and PTSD, and depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, resulted in significant impairment but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board upheld the original 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 22, 2008. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment due to mild symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is deceased.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it does not constitute a disability. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to lack of verification of claimed stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral ankle disorder, arthritis of hands, and hypertension will be remanded for further development.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the current rating of 50 percent adequately reflects this level of impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of chronic bronchitis. The claim for PTSD is reopened due to new and material evidence, but service connection remains denied as there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development including an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dysthymia/persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service, while his PTSD is not. The claim for left ear hearing loss disability was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a video conference hearing. The issues of increased disability ratings for PTSD and related conditions are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression did not result in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 9, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right foot condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of medical nexus between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but he is now granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is being evaluated to determine if it is related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and Epstein Barr Virus.