Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 26, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms warrant this rating as they cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is aggravated by his service-connected erectile dysfunction, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's primary insomnia disability is rated at 50 percent from December 16, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran has a sleep apnea disability etiologically related to his service-connected primary insomnia.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under the rating criteria. The Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a service connection for PTSD based on an in-service stressor. However, the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service and need further examination to determine if they initially manifested during active duty or are otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, major depressive disorder, cluster B traits, and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the Veteran not appearing at his scheduled hearing. He provided a valid reason for missing the hearing.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression results in some social impairment, but not occupational impairment. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a temporary 100% evaluation from August 11, 2009 to November 1, 2009. The effective date for the 40% rating is set at March 31, 2009. Service connection for major depressive disorder has been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disability is not service connected and his depressive disorder claim was dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal. The Board also denied secondary service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety NOS and depression is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and right foot pes planus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to clarify whether the Veteran has any non-PTSD psychiatric disorders and, if so, whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected heart disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 16, 2014. The symptoms have included flattened affect, anxiety, depression, irritability, poor sleep and nightmares, disturbances in mood or motivation, and difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than depression, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records and provide a VA addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current hearing loss or eye condition disabilities, and there is no direct service connection established.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, was granted with an effective date of January 24, 2001.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, neck disability, and psychiatric disability are service-connected. The claims for a TDIU rating have been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.