Depression decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to April 7, 2009 and 50 percent effective that date. The rating decision is mixed as it addressed both periods of time.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms result in reduced reliability and productivity due to disturbances in motivation and mood, as well as difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claims for an increased initial rating for a depressive disorder and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, or anxiety. The claim is based on new evidence that was not previously considered.

The Board found that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and thus denied service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders are not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service or any incident therein, nor was it incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has granted a reduction from a 100% rating to a 70% rating for the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding whether his acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is aggravated by his service-connected residuals of depressed skull fracture.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression, but granted service connection for right hip sciatica as a symptom of the already service-connected lumbar spine condition. The Veteran's current symptoms are not considered separate disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for epilepsy, a facial scar, depression, headaches, ptosis, and miosis due to lack of clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal involves two periods of evaluation for PTSD: one from May 10, 1982 to January 31, 1985 (initial grant of service connection) and another from November 7, 1990 to March 24, 1994. The Veteran is seeking increased evaluations during the latter period.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The Veteran is now entitled to a VA examination in order to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease. His traumatic arthritis of the left knee remains at a 10% rating, but he is granted TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed depression, finding that new and material evidence had been received to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot degenerative arthritis, a skin disorder, residuals of removal of the right ovary, and depression. The Board found that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, finding that it is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disorders.

The Veteran's radiculopathy has been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating during the appeal period.