Depression decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's alleged in-service stressor and to provide him with an examination regarding his non-PTSD acquired psychiatric disorders. The appeal is currently on hold.

The Veteran's depression was rated at 70 percent prior to December 19, 2011. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met as there was no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and related phobias, were incurred during his military service. The claim for depressive disorder is denied as there is no evidence of pre-service onset or service connection. The claim for PTSD is also denied due to lack of in-service occurrence and no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, rated at 50 percent prior to May 16, 2011, and as 70 percent since then, has been granted. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as suicidal ideation, depression, irritability, sleep impairment, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and impairment in establishing effective relationships.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal due to satisfaction with current disability ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of his PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, memory loss, muscle spasm, and joint pain. The examiner will assess whether these conditions are related to his military service, particularly his service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and depression are service-connected.,Both conditions were found to be related to symptoms noted during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and major depressive disorder, warrants an initial rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder warrants a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective December 12, 2008. The appellant is also entitled to a TDIU from February 3, 2009.

The Veteran has a depressive disorder with fatigue that is as likely as not caused by service-connected ulcerative colitis with pouchitis and ankylosing spondylitis. The Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of the claim, granting service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his service, with the stressors being directly linked to his military experience. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder and elbow disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the left arm.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and whether they were aggravated by events in active service. The Veteran's chemical dependency is also being considered as secondary to her PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder and major depression with psychotic features pre-existed service, but were aggravated by service. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and anxiety disorder are etiologically related to her service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression and panic attacks contributed to his death from cardio-respiratory disorder due to or as a consequence of pulmonary edema.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and attempting to corroborate claimed stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder did not manifest as a result of his service, including dental treatment. The Board concluded that there was no evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, urinary tract infections, headaches, left foot and right foot disorders, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service disease or injury resulting in any of these conditions.

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