Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse and cocaine dependence results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, including as due to service-connected right eye disability, is rated at 50 percent since July 16, 2008. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are related to his alcohol and polysubstance abuse prior to and during service. As this abuse constituted willful misconduct, he is barred from establishing service connection for these diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased rating for his low back disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his low back disability, and TDIU. The Board found that the assigned schedular ratings adequately reflected the Veteran's disability picture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service noise exposure or other causation.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling since April 2, 2014. He also has a TDIU from November 15, 2013, and the effective date for his increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD was established as April 2, 2014.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The low back strain rating remains at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claims, including clarification of medical expenses and a determination of whether he required aid and attendance prior to his stroke.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety) due to a lack of credible evidence supporting the in-service stressor allegation. The claim was reopened based on new evidence showing a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her separated left shoulder was denied as the evidence did not show that her disability more nearly approximated a higher rating.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and psychiatric disorders (depression) were both denied as there is no evidence of record showing these conditions are related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a link between his current depressive disorder and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of his right wrist condition and service connection for a psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depressive disorder have been denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, is related to his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services due to service-connected disabilities, but not meeting schedular requirements. The Board will consider whether an extraschedular TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD) has been rated at 70 percent since September 12, 2013.,Effective from September 12, 2013, the Veteran is as likely as not unable to maintain gainful employment due to his MDD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and private psychiatric treatment records from Dr. Carlo.

The Board found insufficient credible supporting evidence to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and thus denied service connection for PTSD. The remaining psychiatric conditions were also not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on employment, and considering an extraschedular TDIU award if warranted.