Depression Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to assess the relationship between his current psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and any SSA disability benefit award records. The Veteran will be afforded a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine whether his acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including verifying stressors and exposure to herbicides. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adjustment Disorder with Depression, and Depression with Anxiety. The examiner will need to consider the September 2006 service treatment records discussing these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, specifically an in-service sexual trauma/personal assault.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed anxiety and depression were not incurred in service, and thus denied his claims for service connection. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence showing he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied.

The Veteran's depression and PTSD are found to be related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and paranoid schizophrenia, which began during his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder NOS and depression, but denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU is denied as the earliest effective date that meets the criteria for a TDIU was November 16, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are rated at the highest possible level (100%) since April 14, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder with history of substance abuse is service-connected, while PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and dysthymia, is etiologically related to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).