Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a total rating of 60%, which is not sufficient for TDIU. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran is still able to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment despite his limitations.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 10 percent disability rating prior to March 2, 2009.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence received since the previous denial supports a current diagnosis of PTSD related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of a depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are at least in equipoise with respect to being caused by his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at the RO via videoconference. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for PTSD with major depression and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders, as well as whether he meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a left shoulder disability that was incurred or aggravated by service. The psychiatric claims are pending as they may be related to fear of hostile military action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depression began during and continues since his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Carcinoma of the Prostate and Depressive Disorder) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral wrist joint disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that her diagnoses were not related to service.

The Board has ordered a remand to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors, which are alleged to have resulted in his current psychiatric conditions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and denied a higher initial disability rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The lumbar spine condition is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression has been granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD being supported by evidence from his military service. The decision also includes a finding of major depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression and schizoaffective disorder, secondary to hepatitis C has been reopened. However, the issue of an initial compensable rating for hepatitis C remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The case will be reconsidered after a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The Veteran does not have PTSD due to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder and TDIU were dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and major depression are rated at 100 percent effective from January 29, 2013. Prior to that date, the rating was increased to 100 percent.