Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a disability rating of 70 percent from August 21, 2006 to June 24, 2010. He is also entitled to TDIU beginning June 24, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected residuals of a right facial zygomatic fracture, to include pain and headaches, was denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were granted earlier than January 14, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. The decision concluded that his current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 70 percent since July 10, 2012. The effective date for this rating is set to July 10, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression have been rated at 50 percent since December 29, 2006.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, but denied it on the merits due to his own willful misconduct during service. The current diagnosis is PTSD and dysthymia, which are considered as direct service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received within one year of the May 2004 and September 2006 rating decisions, allowing for a de novo review. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to her military service and personal assault experiences.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression but finds that further development is needed before deciding on its merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the nature and likely etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner will assess whether the Veteran has a valid PTSD diagnosis related to his in-service personal assault and head trauma stressor, as well as whether he has other psychiatric disorders that are service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for appellate review.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include a depressive disorder. The evidence now shows that he has a current psychiatric condition related to his active service. Service connection is granted for this condition. The Veteran also has hypertension and other conditions which are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to June 17, 2011, did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating in excess of 50 percent due to symptoms such as chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of mood and motivation, difficulty establishing social relationships, intrusive thoughts, and multiple nightmares per week. The disability picture was characterized by reduced reliability and productivity but did not reach the level of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video hearing at the RO. The issues include seeking an effective date prior to January 29, 2009 for a disability rating of 70 percent for anxiety disorders and seeking service connection for a sleep disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and his diagnosed depression, possible bipolar disorder, and heroin/cocaine abuse are not caused or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's statements about PTSD were not credible and did not meet the criteria for a mental health condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of depression secondary to service connected tinnitus will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, specifically his exposure to traumatic events in Korea. The diagnosis is based on credible testimony from the Veteran regarding his experiences during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for depressive disorder with generalized anxiety state and tension headaches have been withdrawn.

The Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression, that can be attributed to active service or a service-connected disability.