Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected social anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder are currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available. The evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS is related to his service-connected tuberculosis, and therefore grants service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse, has been rated at 50 percent since July 17, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 50 percent rating for this period and grants an initial 50 percent disability rating. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder, depression and schizoaffective disorder, to include PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence of a stressor related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment since February 1, 2006, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and left hip disability (ankylosis of the right ankle) are found to be related to his service-connected residuals fracture right tibia and fibula. The Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for residuals fracture right tibia and fibula, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have its onset during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a Social and Industrial Survey of Z.G. to determine if he was permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining the age of 18.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA orthopedic examination and consideration of the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right femur disability, left femur disability, and right knee disability. The psychiatric disability other than a major depressive disorder remains on appeal.

The May 1998 rating decision denied service connection for a nervous condition, which the Veteran contends was improperly adjudicated as such. The Board finds no clear and unmistakable error in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to his hip disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection, as there was no medical nexus between the current psychiatric disorders and service. For TDIU, the combined rating from service-connected conditions (right and left hip disabilities) did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, and the Veteran's education and work history were considered in determining that he could still engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, a neck disability, and left ankle disability. However, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right fourth metacarpal fracture was also denied. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder).

The Veteran's service connection claim for major depressive disorder is granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including Major Depressive Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since February 27, 2014.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, restricted speech, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, and passive suicidal ideation. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including obtaining additional records and medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical services during his hospitalization at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital from July 31, 2014 to August 13, 2014 are now covered by VA. The Board found that VA facilities were not feasibly available for the inpatient rehabilitation treatment he required.