Depression decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 80 percent, and he has service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board granted the claims for these conditions based on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a back disorder has been granted. The Board also found that the evidence is sufficient to grant an initial rating of 100 percent for major depression with PTSD, effective from January 18, 1997.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder, claimed as PTSD and mental health condition, is rated at the highest possible level of 70 percent due to significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with depression is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for the left clavicle and service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) were both granted. The Veteran is now rated at 20% for his left clavicle disability, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for anxiety disorder and granted service connection for PTSD with secondary depressive and panic disorders. The evidence now shows that the Veteran experienced in-service stressors, including sexual assault and harassment, which led to her current psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the entire claim/appeal period.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia is granted, as the evidence supports that he incurred this condition during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, depression, and erectile dysfunction (for purposes of special monthly compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a)(1)(ii)) are all found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizophrenia. The evidence shows that his current diagnoses are related to his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues, and he will be given the opportunity for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and bipolar disorder, is presumed to be related to active duty service. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is granted.

The Veteran was granted service connection for adjustment disorder with depression. Service connection for residuals of a third degree burn of the left ankle was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in service due to a personal assault, and thus grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, major depression, adjustment disorder, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has also granted entitlement to a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.