Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and PTSD. The remaining issues of right knee disorder, back disorder, and alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's laryngeal cancer and loss of teeth, sense of smell, and taste are found to be related to exposure to hazardous chemicals from open burn pits during Persian Gulf War service. The Veteran's depression is also found to be related to her laryngeal cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which meets the threshold for a TDIU. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure all theories of entitlement have been considered and to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The claims for service connection for right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits decision and securing VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination will also be arranged to assess the severity of her service-connected bipolar disorder with panic disorder and agoraphobia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and to secure outstanding records, including VA treatment records from before 2008, SSA disability benefits records, and private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including alcohol dependence, depressive disorder, and cognitive disorder NOS is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder prior to January 2, 2014 was manifested by mild to moderate symptoms that did not cause deficiencies in most areas. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder and increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. His claim for hospitalization in June 2010 was also denied.

The Veteran does not have a current clinical diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examinations and medical opinions found no evidence of such disorders.

The Veteran's depression, NOS was rated at 50 percent from April 16, 2009 to January 3, 2013 and at 70 percent beginning January 3, 2013. The appeal is granted for the higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and major depressive disorder have been rated at their maximum allowable levels, but the combined rating of 80% meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma and there is a medical nexus between the current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation prong of the claim and updating treatment records from Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected rhinitis, and he does not have a deviated septum or fatigue. The low back disorder was reopened on new evidence, but no other conditions were found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that an effective date of December 12, 2008 is warranted for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression.