Depression decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's MDD has been rated at 50 percent since June 28, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for his disability.

The Board has expanded the issue on appeal to include all acquired psychiatric disorders and has ordered a new VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is etiologically related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's service-connected Asperger's disorder with social phobia and depressive disorder, NOS is manifested by total social and occupational impairment for the period of July 8, 2001, to June 16, 2007. The Board has granted a maximum 100 percent evaluation for this period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending and requires further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for PTSD and depression or dysthymic disorder were not supported by evidence of a confirmed in-service stressor, and thus denied these claims. The claim for service connection for left leg disability was also denied as there is no established link between the condition and active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depression and Anxiety, and a bilateral ankle disorder are under consideration.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to outstanding medical records and the need for increased rating determinations. The claims file will be reviewed, and appropriate VCAA notice will be provided.

The Veteran's attorney is eligible for payment of attorneys fees from past-due benefits resulting from November 2010 and November 2011 rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing and verifying the Veteran's current mailing address.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and depression are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depression has been granted, effective June 27, 1987.,The reduction of the Veteran's grand mal epilepsy rating from 40 percent to 10 percent was improper and is now void ab initio.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, which constitutes a complete grant of the Veteran's claim. The other issues related to an acquired psychiatric disability and a respiratory disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for depression has been dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection for PTSD, which includes symptoms of depression.

The Board has decided to remand the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and associated depression have been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since May 5, 2003. The Board finds that the current evidence does not support an increase in this rating.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, depression, and hepatitis C for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The Board finds that the appeal for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of her employment history. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a higher rating for PTSD, and TDIU.