Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating from May 30, 2008 to March 25, 2010. The Veteran has also met the criteria for TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to December 30, 2010. From that date, the rating remained at 50 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's depressive disorder, since July 7, 2008, has not met the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The condition does not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and to determine if he currently has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a personality disorder was previously denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim, and concluded that his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is not related to his service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection and a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD was granted. The claim for TDIU is moot due to the grant of a total disability evaluation.

The Veteran's current major depressive disorder and PTSD are related to an in-service sexual assault, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Issues regarding increased ratings for knee disabilities and TDIU/SMC remain pending.

The Veteran's extreme psychiatric disability, including her service-connected PTSD and a superimposed severe major depressive disorder, results in total occupational and social impairment. The Board grants an increased rating of 100 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD as of June 1, 2007, based on the severity and impairment caused by the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD or depression, and therefore service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his reported in-service sexual trauma.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, and depressive disorder, has been characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, problems sleeping, social avoidance, nightmares, and flashbacks. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher disability rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, depressive disorder, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left shoulder disability. The RO has already granted service connection for these conditions but is seeking higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression are due to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of August 6, 2003, for the award of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder. He is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.