Depression decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher rating for residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. The claim for TDIU due to residuals of small bowel resection associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is also addressed in the remand.

The Veteran's left arm disability is found to be proximately due to his service-connected left wrist disability, and thus granted.,The Veteran's depression with substance abuse is found to be secondary to his service-connected left wrist disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for herpes and a psychiatric disorder including depression is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and major depression, finding no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's depression and active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety has been rated at 70 percent since February 26, 2016. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational and social impairment.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, and her symptoms are more likely related to her pre-existing personality disorder rather than service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, diagnosed during service and continuing to present today, is related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability was denied as there is no probative nexus evidence regarding an etiological relationship between his left wrist carpal instability and active service. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, currently rated at 50 percent disabling from September 22, 2005, under DC 9411 of the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed depression with psychotic features is etiologically related to service. The appeal for migraine headaches and lumbar degenerative disc disease has been withdrawn.

The Veteran is entitled to reimbursement of $3,200 for bathroom remodeling under the Independent Living Services Program (ILLP) as part of her Vocational Rehabilitation plan. The HISA grant was approved and paid by VA, allowing the Veteran to independently shower.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and left knee degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The AOJ will schedule the Veteran for additional examinations and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of increased disability ratings for foot hallux valgus, entitlement to a temporary total disability rating, and TDIU for additional development.

The Veteran's symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia are attributed to her service-connected fibromyalgia. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as the claimed conditions are not due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability. The claim for bilateral hand tremors remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling for the period beginning April 6, 2010, to October 30, 2013. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration of his claims, including whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective February 20, 2015. The Veteran is also service-connected for depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and granted it. The Veteran is also entitled to a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to active service, including mental health treatment during service, and/or diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, he needs a VA examination to assess whether his bilateral hand disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been productive of more than occupational and social impact with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new psychiatric examination. The Veteran's reports of depression beginning in service will be evaluated, along with any supporting evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 7, 2010. The rating was increased to 100 percent effective January 10, 2013.