Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder was denied as his psychiatric symptoms did not meet the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the claim for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case back to the RO for a review of additional evidence submitted by the Veteran, and further development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are service-connected, with the PTSD being presumed due to his Gulf War service. The low back disability is not service-connected.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right leg are not productive of complete paralysis of the internal popliteal tibial nerve; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. A separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is warranted for deep scars in the posterior popliteal fossa area of the right leg that cover an area in excess of 6 inches but not 12 inches. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left leg are not productive of a severe muscle injury; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. A separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is warranted for deep scars on the posterior aspect of the left calf and knee areas that cover an area in excess of 6 inches but not 12 inches. The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status post three stents, is not productive of congestive heart failure, workload of greater than 3 METs but no great than 5 METs that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or, left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is consistent with diastolic pressure predominately 100 or more, requires continuous medication, and does not represent an exceptional disability picture.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 27, 2005 for service connection of PTSD and bladder drain scars have been granted. Service connection was established for PTSD and bladder drain scars with a non-compensable evaluation as of April 27, 2005.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for psychiatric disabilities including PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, psychiatric disability (to include major depressive disorder), and sleep disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates were granted, with a rating of 100% assigned for the right knee disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression associated with adenocarcinoma of the prostate is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with the diagnosis based on in-service stressors related to sexual assault and witnessing another individual being sexually assaulted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of additional evidence. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from November 3, 2010. The appeal for an increased evaluation remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring proper notification to the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression, is not attributable to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and coronary artery disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of inservice stressors and a need for additional medical examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder results in reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as per VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The current disability rating of 50 percent is maintained.

The Veteran does not have a psychiatric disability, to include major depression that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service.