Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder prior to January 24, 2017, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected headaches. The effective date for TDIU was also not granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent. The evidence shows occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but generally functioning satisfactorily with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was shown to warrant a 10 percent rating March 28, 2016, but no earlier. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.,The weight of the competent evidence of record is against a finding that the Veteran has depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining mental health records from service and VA treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is to be evaluated in light of her claimed stressors and pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues and the need for additional evidence, including service treatment records and verification of periods of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression was granted, effective October 10, 2002. The decision is based on the receipt of additional service department records that corroborated the Veteran's in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need to obtain additional information from the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and his depression did not start during or as a result of service. Therefore, he is denied service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations, and the AOJ needs to reschedule him. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have obstructive sleep apnea and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (conversion disorder with depression) have been granted service connection, and the rating for the psychiatric disorder has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for resolving depression and passive dependent personality traits, finding that new evidence supports a link between these conditions and service. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is found to have had its onset during service.

The Veteran's spine disability is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence does not support an increased rating due to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,Service connection has been denied for MDD with PTSD symptoms as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran's symptoms are attributed to post-service factors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his attempts to reopen claims for sleeping disorder and hypothyroidism. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders (COPD and asthma) are not related to his active service, as they are more likely due to his history of smoking.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his migraine headaches and heat injury residuals, have been granted. He is now rated at 70% for the latter condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg radiculopathy and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, as secondary to her service-connected conditions. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's dysthymia has been rated at 70 percent since January 3, 2013. The condition causes significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.