Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence, including a diagnosis of major depressive disorder during service and MRI results indicating brain abnormalities. The issues of service connection for various conditions are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety, is found to be etiologically related to his military service. Service connection for PTSD has been granted. The right elbow disability claim was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for hypertension, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and erectile dysfunction prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is etiologically related to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's depression is found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine condition, and the appeal for this secondary service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating for depression has been granted, with a current disability rating of 30 percent. The service connection for hepatitis was reopened and the Veteran is now entitled to DEA benefits prior to September 18, 2009. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his current service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2012. The rating reflects significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of PTSD, but finds that he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of depressive disorder. The claim is therefore granted in part and denied in part.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claim will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to cause total occupational and social impairment, resulting in a denial of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and back disability are found to be related to service, with the depression being linked to his combat zone exposure in Kuwait.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all service-connected. The rating for the compression fracture of T12-L1 remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and chronic sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder are related to his in-service combat stressors. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression with poly-substance abuse is productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, or mood. This warrants a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability has been rated at 50 percent since November 3, 2015. The symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including migraine headaches and major depressive disorder, have been granted a higher rating of 50 percent. Service connection for the acquired psychiatric condition has also been established as secondary to his service-connected TBI.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% evaluation since April 2, 2015. Effective that date, the Veteran is also entitled to TDIU due to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.