Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent each, while his major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for both conditions remain May 29, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is proximately due to her service-connected migraine headaches, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated at 50 percent since February 27, 2014. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected migraine headaches and psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the earliest opportunity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various service-connected disabilities, including right wrist complex tear of the triangular fibrocartilage, limitation dorsal palmar flexion of the left wrist, limitation of supination and/or pronation of the left forearm, malunion and deformity of distal radius, nonunion of styloid process of left ulna, residual scar left forearm, and left lateral epicondylitis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA mental disorders examination and joints examination. The TDIU claim will also be considered in this process.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation of his service-connected depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence showing an increase in severity prior to the April 9, 2010 submission of private treatment records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and manic depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating under the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and opinions from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and depression, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and compression fracture of L1 vertebral body were not filed within one year of separation from active service. The effective dates are being denied as the earliest date on which a claim was received is October 1, 2009.,The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for his service connection for compression fracture of L1 vertebral body and left lower extremity radiculopathy were not filed within one year of separation from active service. The effective dates are being denied as the earliest date on which a claim was received is May 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his records. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, pharyngitis, Eustachian tube dysfunction, a psychiatric disorder, and plantar fasciitis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that new evidence supports a link between his military service and his current condition. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted the application to reopen the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and depression. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to her military service, with stress during boot camp being a possible contributing factor.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and depression, was not shown in service or for a substantial time after service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD resulting from his active duty deployment. Service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is due to his service-connected cervical spinal disability, and thus grants service connection for depression on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, with associated anxiety and alcohol use, resulted in reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.