Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 30 percent, but he is seeking a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a hernia, and increased ratings for his right shoulder rotator cuff tear, back disability, and left leg radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is etiologically related to his military service and his service-connected tinnitus, granting service connection for depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of losing his life due to hostile attacks while serving aboard the USS Skate, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a mood disorder with depression, as his conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depressive disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, a skin rash, and an eye disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence to support these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. The claims were previously denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression with stress-related cognitive dysfunction, did not have its onset in active service and is not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 30 percent, but the evidence shows symptoms warranting a higher rating. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's major depression was rated at 70 percent effective from July 28, 2010. The initial rating of 30 percent for the period December 28, 2005 to July 27, 2010 is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and anxiety disorders, that had its onset during active military service. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Veteran does not have PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disability, depressive disorder NOS, is not related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is related to his military service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that he had a pre-existing psychiatric condition prior to service. The VA medical opinions support the conclusion that the in-service experiences likely aggravated or contributed to the development of his current mental health issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss, right and left foot disabilities, ulcers, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disability, PTSD, or an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is insufficient to establish a nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability claims will be evaluated with a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A) is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA treatment records, an incomplete VA examination, and the need to address whether she requires A&A or is permanently bedridden.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep disorder and depressive disorder are considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for PTSD on an extra-schedular basis and for TDIU.

The Veteran's major depression and PTSD are currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The claim for increased ratings for both conditions has been denied.