Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder related to service or any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is not related to his active service. The heart condition is found to be related to service.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of the Veteran's in-service stressor and his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, service connection for PTSD and Depression was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing correspondence and missed examination. The Veteran will be asked again to submit information corroborating a sexual or personal assault during service, and he will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any disability incurred in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's residuals of a total hysterectomy were not caused by service or an in-service event, and are not otherwise related to her period of active service. The Board finds that the appeal as to this issue must be denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bipolar disorder as separate from his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has been denied. His claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is also denied, as the evidence does not support a finding that his current disability level warrants a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise with respect to whether the Veteran has current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot calluses have not met the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with his Vietnam service and have established a link between his current PTSD symptoms and these experiences. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been manifested by symptoms more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claims, including a new VA lumbar spine examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depression was granted, with the effective date set at September 23, 2013. The Board found that a factual increase in his disability had occurred during the year prior to this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and/or a depressive disorder, due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, migraines, and other conditions, have rendered him in need of aid and attendance. He is therefore granted special monthly compensation based on a demonstrated need for such assistance.

The Veteran is currently service connected for multiple disabilities, including major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine, radiculopathy of the right upper and lower extremities, and tinnitus. His current combined rating is 80 percent. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with PTSD does not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by symptoms such as depression, difficulty in sleeping, and occasional suicidal thoughts. However, the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.