Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, arthritis of the right knee, and sleep apnea were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Board found that the Veteran did not suffer from any mental or psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and another VA compensation examination to reassess his service-connected scars. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and major depression are secondary to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric disability and because he served in Iraq, which may support a diagnosis of PTSD. Additionally, VA treatment records are needed for his bilateral shin splints with a closed stress fracture on the left.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 50 percent, which is the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Veteran also meets criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to inconsistencies in her reported history and inconsistent behaviors related to her symptoms of trauma. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were rated at 50 percent prior to November 14, 2013. After this date, the rating was increased to 70 percent.,The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and found that the Veteran's symptoms are linked to a reported in-service sexual assault. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is remanded due to the need for further VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her failure to appear at the scheduled hearing. She requested a rescheduling of her hearing because she needed to care for her grandson.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent effective August 28, 2008. The RO later restored the 70 percent rating on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety disorder and depression. The Veteran's respiratory disorder is also found to be related to his military service. However, the claim for tinnitus remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and bipolar disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA clinical psychologist or psychiatrist regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, were not incurred in service. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Board found that there was not clear, credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressor and concluded that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD with depression, could not be established. The issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss from June 30, 2008 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression NOS, and anxiety NOS is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical record and need for clarification regarding pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.,The Veteran is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.,Service connection has been granted for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. The Veteran's skin disorder is also service connected as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. Service connection has not been established for a respiratory disorder or sleep disturbance.

The Veteran's high blood pressure and stroke were not found to be related to her service. Her dysthymia was diagnosed but the Board is unsure if it has a connection to service.