Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected depression is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of her notice of disagreement and reopening of her claim.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety is being remanded due to the need for updated VA and private treatment records, a new VA examination, and further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and providing VCAA notice regarding personal assault claims.

The Veteran's disability rating for major depression was reduced from 50% to 30%, effective November 1, 2009. The Board has restored the 50% rating as the reduction was not in accordance with law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a right shoulder disability, low back disability, or bilateral hand disability. The claim for major depressive disorder is remanded as it requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, neurological disorder of the lower extremities, and psychiatric disorder (to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining state psychiatric evaluation records and ensuring a statement of the case is issued with regard to an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder. The TDIU claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is shown to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the cause of the Veteran's death and its relationship to service-connected conditions. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's untimely death, which was attributed to a severe asthma attack exacerbated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to a verified in-service stressor. The decision also addresses rating and effective date issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The gastrointestinal disability and nonservice-connected pension benefits claims have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's anxiety and depression were rated at 30 percent from December 28, 2010 to April 11, 2012; increased to 50 percent from April 12, 2012 until June 16, 2013 when a temporary 100 percent rating was awarded; and finally rated at 70 percent as of September 1, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination. The TDIU claim will be deferred until further notice.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability. The claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, and headaches were not addressed due to their interrelated nature.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS, as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's symptoms were better explained by alcohol dependence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is secondary to his service-connected skin disability and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,Service connection for left leg injury residuals resulting in complex regional pain syndrome is granted. The disability is considered to be secondary to the 2003 in-service left leg injury.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability is denied due to lack of diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying the appellant's service in the Hawaii Air National Guard and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to any period of active or inactive duty.