Depression decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is service-connected, and the initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at 50 percent. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's anaphylaxis (food allergies) and allergic rhinitis are rated at their maximum levels, while the claim for major depressive disorder is withdrawn.

The Veteran's permanent and total service-connected disability, including his left lower extremity disabilities and heart condition, effectively precludes him from locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. He is therefore entitled to specially adapted housing benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied due to lack of evidence supporting a diagnosis and etiology. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (dysthymia and major depressive disorder) due to new evidence showing a relationship between the current condition and the in-service generator explosion. Service connection is granted as the evidence is in relative equipoise, with some medical opinions supporting a nexus but others disagreeing.

The Veteran's PTSD, Major depressive disorder, and Generalized anxiety disorder are found to be related to his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for adjustment disorder with depression, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury to the left and right feet. The claim for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury to bilateral upper extremity is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to in-service cold exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression, polysubstance abuse, and antisocial personality disorder, due to military sexual trauma (MST), is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and requests for additional information. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered after obtaining any missing records and providing an opinion on whether her current symptoms are related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that it is directly related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that his current depression symptoms began during service due to drug use and are not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted a 30% rating prior to January 25, 2009 and a 70% rating thereafter. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU as of January 10, 2012.,Prior to January 25, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 30%. As of January 25, 2009, he is now rated at 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The issues of bilateral eye disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability were not addressed as they are moot due to a grant of service connection in another decision.

The Veteran's facial scarring, depression, varicose veins of the lower extremities, and bilateral knee disabilities are all found to be related to her service. The right wrist disability is also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and status post cholecystectomy are both rated at 30 percent, with the effective date of the rating decision not specified.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder with panic disorder should be December 31, 1977, as this claim was received within one year of the appellant's separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The AOJ must ensure that all relevant medical records are associated with the claims file.