Depression decisions — 2013

As of February 2, 2011, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), was not sustained during service or is otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for Major Depressive Disorder was granted at a 30 percent level, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal related to service connection and not any disability rating issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 6, 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxiety features and agoraphobia. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for hypertension as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder and psychosis NOS, are related to a sexual assault during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed PTSD. His major depressive disorder is not related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The appellant's non-service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C rated at 40 percent, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total rating for non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for increased ratings for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 50 percent since August 16, 2002. The Board found that the symptoms warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from November 25, 2011. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension was not granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain a supplemental opinion from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, including their relationship to service. The claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran was granted service connection for liver cancer and its associated metastases, which were found to be related to his military service.,Service connection was also granted for depression as secondary to the service-connected liver cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. For bilateral hearing loss, while the Veteran reports symptoms related to military service, the VA examinations did not find any current disability meeting VA's definition for hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 30, 2010 and denied his claim for increased rating thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to February 4, 2011, rendered him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the passage of time since her last VA examinations and for additional development, including a new examination for both scoliosis and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his depressive disorder was granted, and he is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board also found that the Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU as of May 8, 2007.