Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been granted a rating of at least 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in most areas.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been established, with the onset during active military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than October 19, 2009 for PTSD with major depression, increased disability rating for tension headaches, and a higher initial disability rating for residuals of TBI.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The non-service-connected pension claim is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and dysthymia, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The examiner concluded that the preexisting personality disorder did not worsen during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's depression is directly or secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The claim will be reconsidered after further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed psychiatric, heart, glaucoma, and hypertension disabilities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, is at least as likely as not related to events during his service. As such, service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not causally or etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, render him unemployable. However, a new examination is needed to assess the current severity of his conditions and determine if he meets the percentage requirement for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, to include as secondary to the service-connected low back disability, is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, and after considering all of the evidence of record, including VA outpatient treatment records and a medical opinion, the Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least in equipoise as to having its onset or being aggravated during military service. Therefore, service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and mental health treatment records. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The Board will also seek a medical opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to active duty or ACDUTRA. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the pending service connection claim.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his active service. However, there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for asthma, right upper extremity periostitis, left upper extremity periostitis, major depression with anxiety (psychiatric disability), and left knee strain with iliotibial band syndrome. The initial ratings were all increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's CAD was rated at 30 percent prior to November 29, 2012. It increased to 60 percent as of that date. The Veteran's PTSD remained at a 70 percent rating since December 28, 2011. Effective from December 12, 2012, the Veteran was granted TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new allegations from the Veteran regarding in-service stressors and a need for an addendum opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.