Depression decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dysthymia causes occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but generally functions satisfactorily. The disability does not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his fear of hostile military activity while serving in Vietnam. Service connection is also granted for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and information from the Social Security Administration. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including depressive disorder and multiple foot disabilities, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of regulatory changes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, fibromyalgia, sexual dysfunction, or bilateral foot disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor or injury incurred in line of duty. Therefore, service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and scheduling him for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his hearing loss and depression. The TDIU claim will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, warrants a 30 percent initial evaluation prior to September 30, 2010. From September 30, 2010 to April 26, 2011, the rating is increased to 50 percent. Since April 27, 2011, the Veteran's MDD has been rated at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and post-peripheral vascular disease, finding no evidence of current disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a depressive disorder with nervousness, is related to his initial period of military service. The claim for increased ratings for other conditions remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his mood disorder and whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities. The claims for GERD and diabetes mellitus are also referred back to the RO/AMC.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension and remanded other issues including service connection for a dental condition, depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hearing loss.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for systemic arthritis/psoriatic arthritis, stress fracture of the right foot, stress fracture of the left foot, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression), and impotence. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder has been denied. The issue of service connection for a severe and chronic pain condition, presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides, is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination. The examiner will determine if PTSD is related to service, as well as assess other diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of PTSD. The issues of service connection for PTSD, sleep disorder (secondary to PTSD), and major depression are inextricably intertwined with the PTSD issue and will be deferred pending completion of this development.

The Board has remanded this case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA mental status examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and thus the case is dismissed.