Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple myeloma, due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is not etiologically related to his active service. The residuals of a nose fracture have also been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, categorized as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with alcohol dependence, is rated at 70 percent since December 21, 2015. The claim for higher ratings on the right and left knee disorders, and earlier effective date for TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD caused significant impairment from March 18, 2010, to September 29, 2013. Since then, he has been unable to hold a job and gave up his weapons licenses due to safety concerns.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability during the Veteran's service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified have been rated as 70 percent disabling from October 13, 2011 to January 6, 2014. Since June 1, 2013, the Veteran has also been granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the relationship between his service and any current disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected major depression and dysthymia. The AOJ should consider ratings under all applicable diagnostic codes, including DC 8045 (for TBI residuals) and DC 9433-9434 (for acquired psychiatric disorders).

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion and considering the TDIU claim in light of any service connection decisions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and 100 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a potential issue with clear and unmistakable error in a previous October 1987 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, as well as his bilateral knee disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo (dizziness), recurrent headaches due to head injuries, and hypertension. These conditions are all considered service-connected as they are deemed to have originated during his active duty.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo, recurrent headaches, and hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses will be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and updating records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective January 27, 2010. The combined evaluations of his other service-connected disabilities are 60 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's initial rating for depression was increased to 50 percent effective October 1, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an initial disability rating of 70 percent since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has found that the preponderance of evidence is against the finding that any currently diagnosed psychiatric disability, to include depression, is etiologically related to any aspect of active service. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability must be denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service, granting service connection for this condition. The claim for pruritus diaphoresis was not supported by evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and major depression are aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and quadruple bypass surgery. Therefore, secondary service connection is granted.