Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's depression has been rated at 50 percent since June 30, 2009, based on significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during his first period of active duty service from December 2008 to January 2010.,The Veteran has a current right knee disorder and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the inadequacy of the May 2013 VA examination, which did not consider two corroborated stressor events and failed to provide an opinion on the likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities. The case is now being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to his PTSD and other disabilities, as he is capable of performing work in a more sedentary capacity.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the tinea pedis being related to his active service. The Veteran's depression claim was withdrawn prior to a decision. A rating of 30 percent for PTSD has been assigned effective January 25, 2010.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted a TDIU. His other claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's PTSD does not result in deficiencies in most areas, and the claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the appellant's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and depressive disorder, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder has been granted, with an effective date of August 2, 2010. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for PTSD, reopening of service connection claims for muscle tension and hypertension, and entitlement to a TDIU due to unresolved issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to an inadequate July 2010 VA examination and because of SSA disability benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and history of polysubstance abuse in sustained full remission, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 27, 2012 for PTSD with depressive disorder NOS and her TDIU claim were both denied as she was not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety has been rated at 30 percent since March 15, 2011. The symptoms have caused occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective from December 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to have developed as a result of traumatic events in service including his fear of hostile military activity, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his depressive disorder and cervical spine disability, as well as reopening of a previously denied low back disorder claim. The effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was also not granted.