Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent prior to May 1, 2014 and from that date forward. The symptoms include moderate to severe anxiety, depression, decreased energy, crying spells, insomnia, anger, irritability issues, but without total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of testicular trauma, a depressive disorder, and a stomach disorder were denied. The claim for PTSD was not granted.,New evidence received since the last denial does not relate to unestablished facts or raise the reasonable possibility of substantiating any of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2008. Effective January 7, 2008, the right shoulder disability alone met the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's mood disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran's Raynaud's disease has been found to be unrelated to service. Since January 31, 2012, when he was granted service connection for his mood disorder, the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for internal hemorrhoids, keratoconus of both eyes, and sinusitis. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is pending as the evidence does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The other issues have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be decided. This includes obtaining outstanding VA and private medical records, service personnel records, SSA records, and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with new VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a mental health examination. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, headaches, and a psychiatric disability (depression). The evidence does not support these claims as his current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia, dysthymia, major depression with psychotic features, and schizoid personality disorder, are related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to have begun in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating prior to June 17, 2011. From June 17, 2011, the impairment was sufficient for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's depression is found to be as likely as not incurred during his active service, and the claim for service connection for depression is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted, and his lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.