Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been denied. The current evaluation of 50 percent is considered appropriate based on the symptoms reported.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn. As a result, the claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and anxiety, is related to his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder effective March 1, 2002 and assigned a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold level of severity for consideration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and his claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current nature, extent and severity of his PTSD with depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis B, sciatica, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder (depression).

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran was deployed to Iraq and whether her current spine condition is related to service. The claims for PTSD will be remanded as well.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, specifically depression and anxiety disorder, were incurred during his first period of active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not incur a psychiatric disability during active service and cannot establish service connection for accrued benefits purposes due to lack of evidence linking any current mental disorder to service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU has been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The Board will consider whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with degenerative joint disease and hallux valgus. The remaining issues are addressed below.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective from December 2, 2009. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability and remanded the case to obtain additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records. The claims for depression are also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a staged rating of 50 percent prior to January 21, 2011; and an increased 70 percent from that date. The VA has granted the claim for an increased rating based on the severity of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder results in moderate to severe impairment, with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, social anxiety, memory impairment, and sleep disturbance. The disability is rated at 50%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, mood disorder, and PTSD, are related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination to determine if there is credible evidence of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and whether any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was incurred or aggravated as a result of those stressors. The Veteran must report for this examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression did not have onset in service and was not caused or permanently aggravated by his service connected disabilities. The Veteran does not have a sleep disorder.