Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to warrant a higher rating, and he is no longer eligible for TDIU prior to November 3, 2010.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, and due to an undiagnosed illness. As a result, this case is dismissed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent since October 12, 2010. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an enlarged prostate with increased PSA and for a psychiatric disorder were denied as the evidence did not support direct service connection, without any presumption or secondary basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hemorrhoids, lumbar spine disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee disabilities, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) related to service. The right hip disability is also not supported by evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions to address the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, back disability, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's right ring finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting unfavorable ankylosis and limited range of motion. The left knee condition remains at the lowest possible rating due to its current status.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and occupational experience.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain the appellant's complete service personnel records, VA treatment records, and SSA disability benefits records. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of whether the appellant filed a timely notice of disagreement with regard to the effective date assigned for SMC remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and MDD are related to her military service, specifically her alleged MST. The claims for PTSD and MDD have been granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence received since the final February 2009 rating decision relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim and raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the underlying claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, secondary to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to report to a scheduled VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and lumbosacral strain render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a higher rating for his low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of alleged stressors and examination of the Veteran's current conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) including major depressive disorder is also found to be related to his back disability and service connection is granted.

The Veteran has been found to have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, which the Board finds is related to his military service. Therefore, he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia secondary to PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence, is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, verifying alleged stressor events, and requesting an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.