Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70% prior to November 1, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU as of October 18, 2016 and her service-connected disabilities render her unemployable.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent, as the symptoms indicate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and major depression have been granted a disability rating of 50 percent effective from August 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service periods and obtaining all relevant medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, personality disorder, and sleep apnea will be adjudicated following completion of this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected loss of use of the left hand results in needing aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was rated at 50 percent prior to March 24, 2010. Since then, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has found no credible supporting evidence for the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor, and thus cannot establish service connection for PTSD or Major Depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are causally related to in-service personal assaults.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to his military service.,It is also determined that the Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, meeting VA's definition of a hearing loss disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385. Service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and neurological disabilities of the left upper extremity and both lower extremities is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new medical examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, did not have their onset during his period of active service. The VA examiner opined that these conditions are more likely related to post-service stressors and a personality disorder.

The Veteran's current major depressive disorder is not shown to have had its onset during service or be otherwise related to his military service. The most persuasive medical opinion evidence weighs against the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records, particularly those from post-1991 treatment. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private mental health treatment records.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to address whether the conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to October 25, 2011 was denied as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unemployable.