Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and psychotic features is related to an in-service personal assault, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, effective August 26, 2010. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's post traumatic headaches are rated at 30 percent prior to June 23, 2015 and 30 percent thereafter. The rating is based on the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8100 (migraines) due to characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once a month.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the percentage rating standards for a schedular TDIU prior to September 12, 2000. The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU on this basis and remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an opinion regarding whether any current psychiatric diagnoses are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and anxiety. The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder with anxiety is found to be related to his in-service treatment for depression. For the initial compensable rating claim for rhinitis, the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 10% or higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder was denied as no formal or informal claims were received prior to February 14, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an inner head injury with a 10 percent rating effective August 21, 2001. The Veteran's claim is also granted for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations to address the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The remand is due to concerns about the adequacy of the previous medical opinions provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left elbow disability, hernia, vision loss, depression with insomnia, diabetes mellitus, and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities. The decision did not address service connection based on exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War Syndrome.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, MDD, and personality disorder. However, further development is needed as the Veteran's claims are remanded due to outstanding treatment records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated as 30 percent disabling since August 16, 2010. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of ability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since August 25, 2010. The Board found that her symptoms warrant a higher rating of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder, and service connection is granted. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to fibromyalgia. Service connection for fibromyalgia is also granted.