Depression decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and chronic pain, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for nonservice-connected pension was also dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder was granted as secondary to his right shoulder disability in a November 2014 rating decision. However, the March 2010 notice of disagreement did not raise the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability and cannot serve as a valid notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board also determined that it is not secondary to a service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition to include depression secondary to service-connected migraine headaches and due to personal trauma, including military sexual assault and domestic violence is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition to include depression due to personal trauma, including military sexual assault and domestic violence is also granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The left hip arthritis has not been service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain private treatment records and for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and nerve disease, but denied them on the merits. The heart condition claim is also addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since May 1, 2013. The current rating is not higher due to the severity of his symptoms and his ability to maintain social relationships.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to January 16, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms and overall impairment caused by his MDD more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including a lack of representation and an incomplete hearing. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board finds that a chronic psychiatric disorder first manifested in service and continues since then. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA psychologist or psychiatrist regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The other conditions (allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, restrictive pulmonary disease, and hypertension) are not compensable under the applicable criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is not related to his time in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD with chronic depressive disorder has been rated as 50 percent disabling since the filing of his claim. The Board found that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on occupational and social impairment.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to issues related to scheduling an appropriate VA examination and addressing his service connection for hearing loss and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but not total social or occupational impairment. The initial rating of 30 percent is granted for the period prior to February 6, 2013.