Depression decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected as they were caused by an in-service event involving retaliation from superiors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to an in-service stressor and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of whether other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service or a personal assault during service remains pending.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, as well as her low back disability. The appeal will be remanded for these examinations.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is June 21, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical strain with radiculitis and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be causally linked to his periods of active duty service and ACDUTRA, resulting in the grant of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression is granted due to the credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's CFS has been rated at 60 percent since July 1, 2010. The Board denied the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to that date and found no evidence of a permanent 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and addressing the issue of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sinus disability, abdominal scar (hernia), and skin disability (tinea cruris). The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression is rated at a 70 percent evaluation from November 20, 2009 to June 3, 2011. The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied. For the initial rating period from February 2, 2005 to December 1, 2012, he was granted a 30 percent rating for anxiety disorder, NOS. For the initial rating period from December 1, 2012 onwards, he was granted a 50 percent rating for anxiety disorder, NOS. He was also granted compensable ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and chondromalacia patellae of both knees, but not for migraines.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertion that his preexisting left knee disability increased in severity during service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The issues are whether he has service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and whether he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 30% disability rating effective March 15, 2010. His earlier symptoms and treatment records indicate that his entitlement to PTSD arose as early as May 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric conditions are related to his military service, including a possible event on September 11, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder, as well as eczema, are denied. The evidence does not support the need for higher ratings under current rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.,Prior to March 13, 2009, the Veteran's depression was rated at 30 percent. The Board found no basis for an increased rating.

The Veteran's schizophrenia and depression have been rated at the highest available level, but his radiculopathy of the lower extremities is not service-connected.