Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's major depression and left lower extremity radiculopathy are found to be at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by her service-connected lumbar spine disability. The remaining claims for service connection for various orthopedic disabilities, including right knee, cervical spine, hip, and shoulder disabilities, will be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new VA examination. The issues include service connection for various psychiatric conditions, chronic pneumonitis, LBBB, ulcerative colitis, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Nashville, Tennessee RO. The issues include service connection claims and reopening of a diabetes claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and pain disorder are currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar myofascial pain syndrome originated during her active service and is granted service connection. The psychiatric disorders (depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder) are not directly related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that there is insufficient evidence to establish such a connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when analyzed as a whole, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation during the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depression, not otherwise specified was granted with a 70% rating effective March 26, 2014. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for cervical disc disease is also on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and mood disorder, is found to be service-connected. The claim for reopening the low back disorder was also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is more likely than not related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence linking his current alcohol use disorder to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is service-connected, but his personality disorder does not qualify for service connection.,There are no residuals of scabies or a head injury that can be linked to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since August 8, 2011, and the Board finds this rating is appropriate based on moderate social and occupational impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability records.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS was initially rated at 10 percent prior to September 28, 2011. Beginning from September 28, 2011, the disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 4, 2001 for service connection for depressive disorder with agoraphobia, panic attacks, and sleep disorder is dismissed due to the finality of a previous rating decision.