Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board granted a 100% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia (previously evaluated as major depressive disorder with severe psychotic features) prior to October 22, 2014. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion from the VA psychiatrist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depression and whether it was proximately due to or caused by his prostate cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (PTSD, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and anxiety) has been manifested by symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment for the entire period on appeal.,Entitlement to TDIU prior to March 19, 2010 is moot due to the 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and anxiety.

The Veteran's appeal involves the initial rating for his service-connected depression. The Board previously denied a higher rating, but the Court has ordered remand due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee injury, bilateral pes planus, bronchial asthma, and depressive disorder have been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to August 16, 2013. The disability was found to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but without more severe functional limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder did not render him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment, as he retired due to reaching his 31-year eligibility for federal retirement benefits.

The Board found no evidence of a neck injury during service and concluded that the Veteran's current neck disability is not related to his military service. For the psychiatric claims, the VA examiner noted in-service mental health treatment but concluded there was insufficient evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to her military service, including any claimed stressors. The Board finds that these conditions are more likely due to personal issues post-service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disability other than personality disorder present in service or for several years thereafter, and the current psychiatric disability is not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination to determine her current psychiatric diagnosis and its etiology. The TDIU claim is deferred pending resolution of the acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for chronic bronchitis and major depression, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, are all granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned for further action after the hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the feet has been granted service connection. For PTSD with depressive disorder, a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to September 8, 2011, and 70 percent thereafter is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to reschedule his hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there are inconsistencies in the service records regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and the obtaining of outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide an opinion on the diagnoses of any acquired psychiatric disorders found in the claim file, including depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been self-employed for over thirty years and missed an average of 4-6 days a month due to his conditions. The evidence does not show marked interference with employment.