Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression without psychotic features, requires further development due to inconsistencies in diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from August 1, 2008 to December 20, 2012. A TDIU rating was granted effective July 28, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a puncture wound of the right foot instep was granted. The disability is manifested by pain and rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's depression is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease. The Veteran does not have PTSD that is related to active duty.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and anxiety, was granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent prior to October 26, 2012, and a subsequent increased evaluation to 50 percent thereafter. The residuals of infarction of the left cerebellum were initially rated at 10 percent and subsequently increased to 50 percent. The IBS was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent as of October 26, 2012.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including depression and dysthymia, is granted as his symptoms were noted during active duty and later diagnosed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder due to Lariam poisoning. As a result, the Veteran will now have a service-connected disability that needs to be rated, which may affect his derivative TDIU claim.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 100 percent since November 15, 2007.,Effective March 30, 2009, the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left hand disorder, and any symptoms he may have experienced are more likely related to his hepatitis C infection than to service. As such, the claim for service connection for a left hand disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective January 8, 2008, based on his service-connected depression. The effective date cannot be earlier than the date of the claim due to the timing of the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all pending appeals. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal and it is dismissed.

The Board has addressed the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disability and an acquired mental disorder, to include depressive disorder NOS. The appeals are REMANDED as there is insufficient development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety, were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and TDIU is being remanded due to insufficient evidence, particularly regarding the onset of his psychiatric disorders during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder found, including whether it was aggravated during service or proximately due to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and low back disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with PTSD was not productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas from July 28, 2008 to October 20, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, residuals of a head injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims were not reopened or remanded further.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 6, 2012. As of September 6, 2012, the symptoms were sufficient to warrant a 50 percent rating.