Depression Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder. The Veteran is found to have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on new evidence received within one year of the May 2009 rating decision.

The case is being remanded due to deficiencies in the Board's analysis regarding the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran has been unemployed since February 2001 following a cerebrovascular accident, and his service-connected disabilities include degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. The Court found that the issue of TDIU was not properly before the Board at the time of the December 2013 decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee arthritis, and joint disorder are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to any incident of his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA psychological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee. The claim for TDIU is granted as it is supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and duodenal ulcer do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA/VAU electronic medical records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is also to be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to her military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to military sexual trauma, and herpes were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability or link between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for an examination with a psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance at a higher level of care has been denied as he does not meet the threshold requirements for any of the required levels of SMC.

The Board has expanded the claim to include all currently diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as major depressive disorder. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, did not manifest during service or due to a service-connected condition. The evidence was insufficient to establish an in-service stressor for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder condition is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board found that his current disability level warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's disability severance pay for depression was recouped due to her subsequent service connection, and the appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of evidence, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for a new VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to clarify the nature and onset of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal is currently in a pending status.