Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and TDIU was granted, effective August 4, 2010.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with depression, is a result of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as depressive neurosis, anxiety disorder NOS, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, has been increased to a 70 percent rating effective August 22, 2011. The condition presents with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent effective April 9, 2012. The VA found that his symptoms warranted this rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, glaucoma, left ear hearing loss, and myocardial infarction and stroke are all service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, increased rating for chronic left knee strain, and TDIU were all denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have an independent sleep disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to or related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA psychiatric examination to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depression. The examiner is instructed to accept the Veteran's presence at the DMZ as fact, consider contradictory statements regarding stressors, and provide an opinion on whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis and depressive disorder have met the percentage requirements for the award of a schedular TDIU, and competent evidence indicates these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, while his alcohol dependence and cannabis dependence are denied as not secondary to service-connected MDD. The claims of service connection for PTSD, right knee condition, hearing loss, tinnitus, and pes planus are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected depression remains on appeal. The RO denied service connection for the residuals of a right ankle disability, but this issue is no longer in dispute as it has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed conditions are not shown to be related to her active duty or National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus, type 2, heart disease, and depression, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability and a headache disorder have been withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a depressive disorder was granted effective May 30, 2004, the day following his separation from active military service. The Board has jurisdiction over the earlier effective date issue but not the initial rating determination.