Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn as to his claim of service connection for PTSD.,His fractured fourth metacarpal of the right hand is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective October 24, 2011.,His major depressive disorder is currently rated at a 70 percent disability rating, also effective October 24, 2011. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, existed prior to service and were aggravated by his military sexual trauma during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and GAD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70% or 100%. The disability was characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment, short-term memory impairment, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty establishing work and social relationships.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and anxiety/depressive disorder. The issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is as likely as not caused by his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees. The Board grants the claim for service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder is due to disease or injury in service. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, mood disorder, cluster B personality, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is granted as his claim of service connection for PTSD is reopened and he is awarded service connection. His right knee disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and any SSA disability benefits information. The AOJ should also request updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA medical examination. The matter will be readjudicated following the completion of these actions.

The Veteran is found unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing VA treatment records, verify in-service stressors, and provide a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD due to the grant of service connection for depression NOS. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains on appeal and a new examination is required.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a hernia or any residuals of a hernia, and thus denied service connection for these conditions. The claim for depression was remanded as additional development is needed to determine if it is related to his service-connected nephrolithiasis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran is now granted service connection for PTSD, which is secondary to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been granted, with a rating of 50 percent effective June 15, 2007.