Depression Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and major depression as secondary to his service-connected cancer of the vocal cord (larynx). The rating for the laryngeal cancer remains at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of records and an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed recurrent major depressive disorder is related to his period of service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical evidence related to his service-connected psychiatric disability and left leg disability/ies, including records of VA treatment and a private mental status examination. The AOJ will also arrange for an orthopedic surgeon to examine the Veteran and provide opinions on the nature and likely etiology of any left leg disabilities found.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for depression. The issue of secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is pending and will be addressed in a future examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric conditions were not aggravated by service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal requires additional development and remand for several issues, including scheduling a videoconference hearing for tinnitus, obtaining clarification on the etiology of his right shoulder and lumbar spine disorders, and considering whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected major depression (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) was denied. The Veteran is currently rated 70 percent disabled, but the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of symptoms warranting such a rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted based on his service-connected major depression and other disabilities. He is now entitled to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 12, 2010, due to symptoms including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks more than once a week, nightmares, unprovoked irritability, difficulty with his thinking and judgment, impairment of short- and long-term memory, and the inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent from January 26, 2005 to June 24, 2009.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is found to be related to service. The Board also finds that the Veteran has residuals of an aneurysm with memory loss due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is service-connected, and the initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at 50 percent. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's anaphylaxis (food allergies) and allergic rhinitis are rated at their maximum levels, while the claim for major depressive disorder is withdrawn.

The Veteran's permanent and total service-connected disability, including his left lower extremity disabilities and heart condition, effectively precludes him from locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. He is therefore entitled to specially adapted housing benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied due to lack of evidence supporting a diagnosis and etiology. A new VA examination is required.