Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, has been granted service connection.,Service connection for a sinus condition is also granted.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD anxiety and major depression, that had its clinical onset in or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection has been established for depression, headaches, and left rib injury residuals.

The Board denied service connection for depression and a back disorder, both of which are claimed to be related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The decision did not address any secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant an increased evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, which represents a full grant of this benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's current right hip disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the appellant's current psychiatric disorders did not begin during his military service and are not otherwise related to his active duty. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he was treated for sinus conditions during his active duty, but no current chronic sinus disability has been established.,VA is required to determine if the Veteran's asbestosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for paranoid schizophrenia was granted, but the effective date of service connection remains July 31, 2010. The Veteran also sought an earlier effective date for his service-connected condition and that request was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including pain and lack of mobility. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, necessitating the grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression secondary to a service-connected condition was granted. However, his claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to a service-connected condition was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain.,Right ear hearing loss is not shown to meet VA criteria for a disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct necessary examinations, and issue a statement of the case for certain service connection claims.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with coma, including memory loss, headaches, concentration problems, light sensitivity, and depression. The VA examiner will be asked to determine if these conditions are related to the in-service fall from two stories.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder and an effective date prior to September 16, 2014 for the award of a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) were granted. The appeal regarding severance of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 12, 2013 for service connection of an adjustment disorder was granted. The Veteran is currently assigned a 70 percent disability rating for this condition.