Depression Board decisions

The Board has found new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression. The Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressors as a medic, and his depression is caused by his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements regarding military sexual trauma are considered new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to obtain medical records, clarify the nature and extent of his psychiatric conditions, and determine if he has any current respiratory or skin disorders. The specific issues on appeal will be addressed once this additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is granted service connection based on herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service. The issue of service connection for a skin disorder and mental disorder including depression was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional substantive development is necessary before further appellate consideration of the claim on appeal, including a search for missing service treatment records and an examination to address the Veteran's TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD claims.

The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders of anxiety and depression are found to have been incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The appeal is now pending again with the AOJ.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression), and chronic disability due to substance abuse. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for a chronic disability due to substance abuse.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical treatment at Norwood Health Center in January 2012 is being remanded due to unclear responsibility and incomplete information regarding the payment status.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to her ability to care for herself and lack of any service-connected disabilities rated at 100%.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and an updated VA examination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains under review.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been granted and rated at 50%. The temporary total rating for hospitalization due to PTSD was denied, but the Veteran is now receiving a TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder have been granted a higher initial disability rating of 50 percent, effective from March 11, 2009. The appeal is resolved in the Veteran's favor on this issue.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and related conditions, including dysthymia and major depressive disorder. His service records confirm his deployment in combat areas of Vietnam where he experienced enemy fire and witnessed dead bodies. As such, his reports alone are sufficient to establish participation in combat, allowing for presumptive service connection.