Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression. The Veteran's claims of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with this issue.

The Board has found that the Veteran's pre-existing impulse control disorder was aggravated by service and is now considered a current disability. The Court also found that there is a link between the Veteran's drug addiction and his service-connected psychiatric disabilities, thus granting both issues.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for sleep apnea, increased evaluation of PTSD with depression prior to September 14, 2012, and TDIU benefits prior to September 14, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining records of his service stressors and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed mental disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating prior to October 29, 2014.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is attributable to his active military service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of all diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be re-adjudicated after this is done.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying whether the Veteran is requesting increased ratings or effective date changes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased disability rating for left knee anteroposterior ligament insufficiency and medial instability were denied. The reduction of the disability rating for residuals of a broken left foot from 10 percent to zero percent, effective June 7, 2013, was found improper.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, are found to have their onset during active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's pre-existing acquired psychiatric disorder was permanently aggravated by his second period of active duty service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His asthma and tuberculosis claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from April 15, 2014. The RO also granted an initial compensable rating for tension headaches and denied the remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depression and hidradenitis of the gluteal region were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, glaucoma, PTSD, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or glaucoma. His depressive disorder is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depression and adjustment disorder have been granted service connection, while the rating for bursitis of the right shoulder remains at 10 percent.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD with depression, effective from August 4, 2010, based on VA medical opinions linking the current psychiatric problems to military service.

The Board denied service connection for depression and granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a noncompensable rating, effective June 21, 2011. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.