Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left ankle disability and depression have been granted service connection, with the former being linked to a service-connected condition (tarsal tunnel syndrome) and the latter being secondary to physical abuse and medical conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his military service. His bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris are granted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied, as the evidence did not establish that his condition is more severe than characterized by reduced reliability and productivity. The TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is precluded from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and has determined that new and material evidence has been presented, warranting a de novo review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is service-connected. The issue of service connection for a liver disability remains pending.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be causally linked to his service-connected low back disorder, and the claim for service connection is granted. The TDIU issue will be addressed after an initial rating is assigned for the now-service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his left knee disability is also rated as 10 percent disabling. The Veteran contends that these disabilities are more severe than the current ratings suggest.,The Veteran has not provided any evidence to support a higher rating for either of his knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his reported stressors during service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression NOS and anxiety disorder remains pending as it was not adjudicated in this decision.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he has a separate 20 percent rating for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity. The other conditions are not rated higher.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination report and the Veteran's assertion of having had symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

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

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, as it was first manifested within one year after his separation from active duty. The claim for service connection for depression is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's ulcer disease is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with depression remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%, including a non-service-connected condition rated at 60%. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports an award of special monthly pension on account of being housebound.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and for burial benefits, including transportation benefits. The issues were remanded due to outstanding medical records not being obtained.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and secondary major depressive disorder, is granted as it is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic anxiety and depression, is related to a personal assault he experienced during service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is rated at 20 percent, and service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches (secondary to fibromyalgia) has been granted. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective October 8, 2002. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.