Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's depressive disorder was initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 8, 2013. Since then, the rating has been adjusted to 10 percent effective from that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed respiratory failure and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and suicide attempts) are not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining records of a stress management group and VA treatment records. The Veteran will be provided with an additional VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and major depression, originated during or are otherwise etiologically related to his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) from September 1978 to March 1979. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depression is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder, has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board finds that a rating of 70 percent is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's tonsilar squamous cell cancer is service-connected due to herbicide exposure. Major depressive disorder and PTSD are also service-connected, with the latter being related to a verified in-service combat stressor. The temporary total disability evaluation for surgical treatment of tonsilar squamous cell cancer is denied as no period of convalescence prior to November 3, 2008 existed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and asthma, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease related to these conditions. The current diagnoses are not causally related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, GAD and depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and cognitive impairment as a result of head injuries from motor vehicle accidents during service, is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including dysthymia and major depressive disorder, are found to be proximately due to service-connected PTSD. The claim for an earlier effective date of award for service connection for PTSD is granted, with the initial rating for PTSD being set at 70 percent as of June 27, 2011. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating for both periods on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as his claimed conditions are not related to military service. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied due to the lack of evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to service, specifically an in-service sexual assault. The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and resulting major depression have been granted, with a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased evaluations for various disabilities, reopening of service connection claims, and a TDIU claim. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, an appropriate VA examination, and issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by suicide, likely due to mental health issues stemming from his military service. The Board finds that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of finding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.