Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of anxiety disorder with depressive disorder, service connection for cerebrovascular disease, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her back and psychiatric conditions, render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes depression and PTSD, due to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, and service connection for tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with a depressive disorder is related to her service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's current depression is related to and cannot be reasonably disassociated from his service-connected bilateral frostbite of the foot disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions (left knee injury and depression) have not resulted in the required criteria for a temporary total evaluation based on treatment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and will return it for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of PTSD with dysthymia and depression, as well as his requests for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating. The claims were previously denied in August 2005 due to severance of service connection.

The Board found that an effective date earlier than April 21, 2009 is not warranted for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depression, alcohol abuse, and cannabis abuse. The Veteran's claim was denied in a March 2006 rating decision, which became final. A new claim to reopen the previously denied PTSD claim was filed on April 21, 2009, after the January 2008 denial of new and material evidence. The Board also found that there is no evidence in the claims file prior to April 21, 2009 which can be interpreted as a claim to reopen the previously denied PTSD claim.

The Veteran has a combined rating of 100% for her service-connected disabilities. However, she does not have an employment handicap and has overcome the effects of her vocational impairment due to her service-connected conditions. Therefore, she is not entitled to additional vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits prior to April 27, 2011 was granted. His claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for PTSD were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, with the back disability issue remaining unresolved.

The Veteran's major depression is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder has been granted. He is currently rated at 70 percent for his Major Depressive Disorder, which meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his incarceration during service and/or his service-connected right knee and left knee patellofemoral syndrome with chondromalacia and arthritis. As such, service connection for a major depressive disorder (claimed as depression) has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Parkridge East Hospital was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment and he had other insurance coverage.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including her knee disabilities and depression, preclude her from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service combat experience, and thus service connection for psychiatric disability (claimed as anxiety, depression, and PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a finding that his currently diagnosed conditions are related to military service.