Depression decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including depressive disorder and PTSD, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of an inservice stressor or any other basis for granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased disability ratings and service connection claims. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records, scheduling VA examinations, and ensuring the examination reports comply with the directives of this remand.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder with depression and psychotic features due to new evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety attacks, nightmares, and violent outbursts is rated at 70 percent since August 2, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on service-connected PTSD alone from August 2, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss is denied as the highest possible schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression, is also denied due to lack of evidence supporting secondary service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with Depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 30, 2007. The Board found that the impairment from his service-connected PTSD with Depression more closely approximates deficiencies in most areas than total impairment.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA psychiatric examination.

Service connection has been granted for anxiety as secondary to service-connected situational depression and left knee disability. The initial evaluation for situational depression with anxiety is set at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms, including depression and PTSD, are related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial noncompensable evaluation, effective from March 3, 2000.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied in February 1971, and he did not appeal this decision. The effective date of the grant of service connection is fixed based on the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.,The Veteran's claims for TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits were granted in April 2001 and June 20, 1997 respectively. The effective dates are fixed based on the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service-connected PTSD and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a fractured nose, is granted. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder, did not have its onset during service or due to a service-connected condition. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 1, 2005.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and a psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability and/or lumbar spine disability. The Board finds that further development is necessary due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, left knee disability, arthritis of hands and fingers, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to service.

The evidence shows that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression, is related to his active service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder. If so, the issue will be decided on its merits.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that her symptoms warrant a higher rating due to their severity.