Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to bilateral hearing loss, effective June 18, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased ratings for various knee conditions, arthritis, and Bell's palsy. Additionally, the Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammer toe, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, left ankle arthritis, lumbar spine disorder, asthma, and hepatitis C. The appeal is being remanded to allow for a new hearing before a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a head injury, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a low back disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder results in occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder are at least as likely as not related to his service, including physical and mental abuse by a corporal during basic training. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment and counseling records, affording the Veteran a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability, and readjudicating the issue on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder prior to February 25, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no evidence linking any diagnosed condition to his military service.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, which is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated as 70 percent disabling from September 23, 2011 through September 1, 2015. The appeal for a higher initial rating prior to that date remains pending.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD or any other diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The AOJ will also attempt to confirm any identified stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's headaches are related to his military service and thus warrant service connection.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD due to new evidence showing these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA mental health treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess whether any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating from August 1, 2008. The Board also found that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected MDD, granting TDIU status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD and major depressive disorder, is etiologically related to an in-service stressor event. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders remains pending. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have rendered him unemployable, but the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate to support an adjudication on the merits. The case is REMANDED for another VA examination.