Depression decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and increased ratings for his right knee disability and distal index finger disability. The Veteran's current disabilities were not found to be related to service or due to any other compensable basis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his active service. The claim for PTSD has been remanded due to the lack of verified stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from May 5, 2009 to July 25, 2013. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depression and other psychiatric disorders, have caused him to be unable to obtain and sustain a substantially gainful occupation as of September 11, 2011.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD and MDD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also found that he is entitled to a TDIU throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds that his depressive disorder is less likely than not related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression symptoms have been evaluated as approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The claims of service connection for sinusitis, migraine headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (to include major depressive disorder), and skin cancer have been denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected condition. The TDIU claim has also been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and anxiety are found to be related to an in-service rape, which has been corroborated. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded to obtain outstanding VA medical records and to consider the combined effects of his other service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the case is being referred to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation based on the collective impact of all service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to service due to in-service harassment. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The issue of eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 17 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran a VA examination to assess his current severity of service-connected depression.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disabilities was denied by the RO in July 2009, and later affirmed by a December 2011 Supplemental Statement of the Case. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 19, 2013 and a rating in excess of 50 percent since that date.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for depression. The issue of secondary service connection for substance abuse is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding its onset.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including his recent employment at a retail store. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records from the Omaha VAMC, provide the Veteran with another VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) and request additional information about his earned income since March 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, sleep disorder, anxiety attacks, schizophrenia, and depression, is related to his service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and considering his service in Vietnam.