Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

Prior to October 1, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression was rated at 30 percent.,Since October 1, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression has been rated at 50 percent.

The Board granted service connection for depression and PTSD, but only assigned a 30 percent rating prior to August 27, 2012. The Veteran's psychiatric disability was found to have resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (to include depression and anxiety) and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The Board will reconsider these claims as if the November 2012 decision had never been issued.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to military service or any stressor experienced therein. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 30 percent since January 10, 2006. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted (increased rating to 70%) while others were denied (earlier effective date).

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected lumbar back strain with degenerative disc disease. His TDIU claim and evaluation for low back disability are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and bilateral upper extremity diabetic polyneuropathy have been granted. The claim for service connection for a mouth disorder remains denied. An effective date prior to December 5, 2006 has been granted for the award of service connection for back, neck, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are related to his service. The Board finds no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and its complications, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is likely related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The issue of depression as secondary to a bilateral shoulder disability remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD with depression, and for obtaining any outstanding private or VA treatment records. The Veteran may also submit lay statements from himself and others who have firsthand knowledge of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and develop the claims for increased ratings for PTSD, migraine headaches, and TDIU. The VA will also seek any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding private treatment records and reviewing the evidence to determine if service connection can be granted for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder that includes PTSD, MDD, and anxiety.