Depression decisions — 2017

VA has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder to include sleep apnea, and/or PTSD, as secondary to military sexual assault (MST). The maximum rating of 100 percent is assigned effective November 30, 2005.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since October 21, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected pulmonary amyloidosis and depressive disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, depression, was not incurred during service and is not related to his service-connected cystic acne. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed psychological disorders were not caused by and are not the result of his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, including combat stressors experienced during his time in Vietnam.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, with no deductions for aggravation. The rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been granted. The issue of hypertension is also addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to non-compliance with its directive and for further examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since November 14, 2014. She is also entitled to TDIU prior to February 19, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is related to his service. The diagnosis of PTSD was based on an in-service personal assault.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is November 4, 2008. The Veteran's claim was received on this date and she was granted service connection for PTSD along with a recharacterization of her psychiatric disability as including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's right hip and left foot disabilities are found to be service-connected, with the right hip disability being directly related to service and the left foot disability being secondary to her service-connected conditions.,Depression is also found to be service-connected as it is secondary to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and finds that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's fear of hostile military activity during his service in Vietnam is found to be credible, and he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left leg sciatica with intervertebral disc syndrome established. Effective July 25, 2012, he was awarded a 30 percent rating for adjustment disorder with mixed emotions and conduct, depression and primary insomnia (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder). The Veteran's effective dates are granted for the service connection determinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS has been granted a 70% evaluation effective January 11, 2016. He is also entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and further development of the record.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders did not manifest in service and are not otherwise etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating since January 17, 2016.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and varicose veins of the lower extremities, effectively preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.