Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran asserts that the evidence of record at the time of the October 2003 adjudication unquestionably supports a rating in excess of 10 percent for her hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease due to the types and severity of her symptoms.,The RO's failure to assign a disability rating for hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease with a separate disability rating for the post-treatment residual of hypothyroidism represents an incorrect application of the relevant regulatory provisions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS is rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Board has granted both an increased rating and a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the Veteran's claim can be decided, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to assess the Veteran's competency level.

The Board finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses for PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to service. The Veteran's symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD, and her stressor event is supported by credible supporting evidence. Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a separate and distinct left knee disability from his currently service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to his service, with the Board finding it at least as likely as not that he currently has this condition due to his military service.,The Veteran's chronic bronchitis is found to be related to his service exposure to radiation and burn pits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are found to have had its onset in service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder prior to May 14, 2015, has been rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder NOS, have been rated at a 50 percent disability rating since June 9, 2015.

The Board granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities and assigned an effective date of December 9, 2005. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 25, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted this rating as of June 13, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of depressive disorder, as secondary to the service-connected migraine headaches and hypertension, for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify stressors and service connection, including obtaining records of treatment and personnel records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders are being evaluated in light of verified stressors during active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are due to in-service military sexual trauma and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete records and further development is needed, including verification of service dates and obtaining service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at November 5, 2009. The Veteran's depressive disorder was found to be secondary to his left hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including his lumbar spine disorder) precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 26, 2015.