Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted TDIU based on service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

For the period from August 25, 2006 to April 7, 2009, the Veteran's pain disorder with depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and PTSD are currently on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for higher ratings for her PTSD with major depressive disorder, both prior to and since March 20, 2013.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for organic heart disease. The Veteran does not have PVD, a psychiatric disability including PTSD and depression, hypertension, or a respiratory disability attributable to active service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to his service-connected headache disorder or military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, and impotence was granted. The condition is considered to have manifested at the time of his June 1982 claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and his initial rating remains pending as there are no specific ratings assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and have established PTSD, which is granted as a direct result of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to January 5, 2010.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted service connection and currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and his personnel file for further review.

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

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not shown to be related to his military service and is not considered secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise, showing that the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD due to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined to a 90% rating effective September 1, 2007. As his disability was permanent and total as of that date, he is eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is related to his in-service stressors. The issue of an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for depressive disorder remains pending.