Depression decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and he is not entitled to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

Effective February 6, 2012, the Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment caused by persistent delusions or hallucinations, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, and suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder results in mild or transient symptoms of anxiety and mild memory loss, which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was initially rated at 30 percent prior to July 13, 2006. From that date, he received a 70 percent rating.

The Board has granted a non-compensable (10%) evaluation for the Veteran's right thumb disability, finding that his symptoms are manifested by pain and limited range of motion without other significant impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition was neither incurred in nor aggravated by active military service, and determined it was not related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and considering all submitted evidence. The issues of increased evaluation for major depression disability and TDIU are part of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stressor of incoming enemy fire is verified, and he should be afforded a VA examination to determine if his PTSD or any other psychiatric disability is related to this stressor. The case will then be readjudicated.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for further medical opinions regarding service connection and disability ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from July 12, 2012. The Board found that the condition has caused total occupational and social impairment since February 22, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to concerns about the sufficiency of evidence regarding a claimed military sexual assault and its impact on the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for bipolar disorder with depression, effective January 21, 2005. The Veteran's symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability. The reopened claim is addressed in the Remand section.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, citing permanent and total disability. As a result, the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition remains on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in severe impairment, preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 27, 1995.,Effective December 3, 1997, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that had onset during or as a result of service. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and recurrent major depressive disorder in remission has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment at any time during the initial rating period. Therefore, a higher disability rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not receiving notification of a scheduled videoconference hearing. The appeal is related to reopening claims for service connection and seeking service connection for insomnia.