Depression decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is most likely related to her service, including her in-service left hip injury and subsequent stress.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to September 10, 2010 included social isolation and occasional thoughts of suicide. The rating assigned was 50 percent.,From September 10, 2010 to July 8, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depression, cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, right foot plantar fasciitis and left foot plantar fasciitis were denied. The RO assigned non-compensable ratings to these disabilities.

The Veteran's dermatitis is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7806. The Board finds that her condition does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is manifested by no worse than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks (weekly or less often), and chronic sleep impairment. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent are not met.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence shows significant impairment in social and occupational functioning but no total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 11, 2004. The rating is maintained as the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether the Veteran desires a DRO hearing or a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric, sleep, or balance disorders. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for private medical records from his primary care physician and other relevant providers.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for depression has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) on all issues, including service connection for thyroid disorder and diabetes mellitus. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression will be deferred until the outcome of the thyroid disorder claim is determined.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, but denied the Veteran's claims for depression and anxiety as well as his claim for an epididymal cyst.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a personality disorder, claimed as an acquired psychiatric disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the appeal is premature and remands for further action, including adjudication of the appellant's request to be substituted as the claimant.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and his claims for service connection for PTSD, hip complaints/degenerative disc disease of the hips are addressed. The Board found that while medical evidence indicates some PTSD symptoms, the most persuasive opinion establishes that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, manic depression and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating higher than the current 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as major depressive disorder, was incurred in active service and is granted service connection.