Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD and associated depressive disorder, along with panic disorder without agoraphobia, have been granted a 50 percent rating for the period from January 25, 2011 to July 18, 2012. Service connection has also been established for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and thus the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since June 19, 2012. The symptoms have included flattened affect, anxiety, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Dependence has been rated at 50% since November 9, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder was granted, with an increased rating of 70 percent effective October 2, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD or a depressive disorder, requires additional development due to incomplete stressor verification and need for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or depressive disorder, as his symptoms were not linked to an in-service stressor and he had a history of substance abuse which affected his mental health.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder. However, due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressor events, the claim remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD due to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining reserve service records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic headache disability does not cause or aggravate his currently diagnosed hypertension. The claims for PTSD and MDD as secondary to the service-connected posttraumatic headache disability are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are whether he can establish service connection for congestive heart failure and an acquired psychiatric condition.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD diagnosed at any time, and the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that a low back disability had its onset in active service or is otherwise related to active service.,Regarding her claimed acquired mental disorder (claimed as emotional condition) other than PTSD, including depression, there was no diagnosis provided by VA medical records.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board found no basis for service connection of a stomach condition or an acquired psychiatric disorder, as the Veteran's symptoms are not causally related to his active duty service.

The Veteran has been in receipt of VA disability compensation benefits and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) since August 1, 2004. The appellant is the custodial parent of N.M., who is not living with the Veteran. The Board determined that no apportionment of the Veteran's benefits was warranted because he made his child support payments in a timely manner and the dependent benefit being paid to him was used to provide for N.M.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a spine examination to assess his cervical and lumbar spondylosis. An addendum opinion on service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, will also be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to verifying a stressor and obtaining updated VA treatment records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for major depression has been granted, and he is now entitled to a 70 percent rating since January 9, 1971. The issue of what evaluation is warranted for major depression from October 9, 1971 to April 28, 1995 remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.