Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a perforated ear drum is denied as there is no evidence of such condition during his active duty or thereafter. The claims for headaches and psychiatric disability are also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence supporting the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the hip joints is pending. The claim for a skin rash has been reopened but remains denied as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II is granted. The low back disability claim was previously denied and reopening was granted due to new evidence received. Service connection is established based on a finding that the current condition is related to active duty.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sciatica and plantar fasciitis remains pending as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The eye disability claim was previously denied but reopened due to new evidence received, however no service connection is granted as there is no link between current condition and active duty.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD, major depression, anxiety disorder) claim remains pending as new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a psychiatric and audiological examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disability other than PTSD and hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of heat stroke have been granted, but the initial rating for his depressive disorder has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cerebral aneurysm and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include anxiety, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Board found no credible evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination and to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression is being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The issues of depression, nerve damage, liver condition, tuberculosis, and scars of the right eye, neck, and head were not pursued further as the appellant withdrew these claims.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been assigned a noncompensable rating since the grant of service connection, as the current level of disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Montclair Hospital and providing the Veteran with a copy of her VA examination report.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 10 percent prior to March 30, 2009 and increased ratings of 50 percent from March 30, 2009 through July 8, 2012, and 70 percent thereafter. The maximum rating for PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of the cerebrovascular accident have resulted in significant impairment, including muscle weakness and sleep disturbances. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is warranted beginning on May 8, 2012 due to these disabilities. However, further development is needed regarding the nature and severity of his service-connected conditions prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his depressive disorder, left knee disability (including limitation of motion), and right knee disability (including limitation of motion) has been denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's knee disabilities are manifested by pain and weakness but no clinical evidence showing moderate instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic left knee or left ankle disability that is related to his service, and thus denied his claims for service connection in these areas. The psychiatric claim was also denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition within one year post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, as evidenced by his continued education and part-time work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder was denied. The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disability that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's total right knee replacement has been rated at 60 percent since December 1, 2008. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate based on his symptoms and residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected depression, secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability, is evaluated at a 30 percent rating. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his military service. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his current mental health status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of recurrence or metastasis and his symptoms are consistent with a 20 percent rating for urinary frequency.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of his claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability.