Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran claims compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for complications from a penile prosthesis surgery performed at the VA, and service connection for depression resulting from that surgery.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depression. The Veteran's ED is currently rated at a 10 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating for his inguinal hernia were denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating for ilio-inguinal nerve entrapment is appropriate, as well as the noncompensable rating for status post left inguinal hernia repair.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia were rated at 50 percent prior to September 13, 2010, and increased to 70 percent from that date forward.

The Veteran's MDD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 50 percent rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and any diagnosed conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully assess the nature and etiology of her claimed condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination. The claims are being remanded to allow for these actions.

The Board found that there is no competent diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia, was not shown during service or until years after service, and any diagnosed psychiatric disorder has not been related to any verified aspect of the Veteran's period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression disability is related to his service-connected disabilities, including his right shoulder and traumatic brain injury. As a result, the claim for service connection for depression secondary to these conditions is granted.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's major depression was also not shown to be related to his service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD and depressive disorder incurred during service, including from exposure to traumatic events involving dead and injured soldiers in Saudi Arabia. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was either pre-existing or aggravated by a non-service-connected condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus, palindromic rheumatism of the joints, and major depression with insomnia are all granted service connection due to their presumptive association with his Persian Gulf War service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since November 5, 2007. The symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behavior, and difficulty concentrating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, attempting to obtain SSA administrative decision(s), scheduling a VA examination, and providing appropriate VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities, in combination, are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupation experience. Therefore, he is entitled to non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disorders other than PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are due, in part, to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST) and have granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is etiologically linked to his in-service meningitis and has granted service connection for this condition. The tremors claim will be reconsidered as part of this decision.