Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was found to have caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent prior to August 17, 2010.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the hands and feet, a left elbow disability, residuals of a broken right wrist, a left foot fallen arch, a blind right eye, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and depression, all for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, does not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a superimposed disease or injury during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with anxiety, are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depression is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available. His hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder were found to have increased in severity during his final period of service, which is considered aggravation. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the award of service connection, and the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder with depression, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also granted a 20 percent evaluation for the lumbar spine disability effective from February 21, 1995 to September 13, 2008.

The Veteran's anxiety with depression and inverse psoriasis have not resulted in the level of impairment warranting a higher disability rating prior to December 12, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychotic disorder, effective January 2, 1979. The Veteran's claim was initially denied in 1974 and the next communication from him regarding his condition was filed on January 2, 1979.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have caused moderate impairment to social functioning, but not severe enough for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to have originated during his period of active duty and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine its relationship to his service-connected major depressive disorder. His claim for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder will be considered further.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral sciatica has been withdrawn. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for depression remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis B does not warrant a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7345, as there is no evidence of active hepatitis or incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to other causes.

The Veteran's major depression is found to be related to his service experiences, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depression and bipolar disorder, were incurred in active service.