Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity neurologic symptoms, and depressive disorder have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for the time period from September 30, 2002 to July 29, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for increased ratings on PTSD with a major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service exposure to 'scud' attacks during his deployment in Saudi Arabia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and opinions.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's need for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance prior to May 20, 2008 is also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been characterized by depression, lack of energy, dysphoric mood, nightmares, and trouble sleeping. For the increased rating period prior to March 25, 2010, the disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's death was caused by suicide, which the Board found to be due to his service-connected major depression. As a result, he is entitled to VA burial benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was initially granted and rated at 30 percent, effective August 22, 2005. The rating was increased to 50 percent as of April 28, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case to ensure a complete record is available for decision, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying whether the Veteran is receiving Social Security Administration disability benefits. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond.

The Board has determined that hepatitis C was incurred in service and granted the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of major depressive disorder, claimed as secondary to hepatitis C, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete fulfillment of a previous remand order and conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is pending.

The Veteran's sexual dysfunction is found to be proximately due to or the result of service-connected disability. The Board also finds that he has TBI with adjustment disorder, PTSD with depression, and posttraumatic headaches, all of which are rated at their maximum levels under VA regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for depression. The Veteran's low back disability was also found to be incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and thus service connection is denied. The claim for an increased rating for Graves' disease with hypothyroidism remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his depressive disorder or degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, nor did it meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchial asthma and major depression with psychotic features, finding new and material evidence. The appeals are now addressed de novo.