Depression decisions — 2017

The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's depressive disorder began during his military service, and granted service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as Persistent Depressive Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorder, is not etiologically linked to his in-service combat stressors and therefore denied service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's diagnoses of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, as well as the need for updated VA medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability diagnosed in service or related to his active service. The Board also found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder did not appear to be caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a personal assault while in service. The evidence now includes a criminal investigation report of the alleged assault and a nexus statement from her treating nurse practitioner. The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are likely related to this assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion from a mental health specialist regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 6, 2016 was denied as his combined rating did not meet the schedular criteria and he does not have a single service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more. The case is remanded for additional development including obtaining private mental health treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder with OCD and Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling since November 23, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are granted, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant. The decision is based on the evidence showing a link between her military experiences and these psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as of August 23, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder or lumbar spine disorder that was incurred in service. The Veteran's self-reported back pain during service and the absence of any diagnosed condition do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to assess her deviated septum and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's major depression and PTSD were rated at 30 percent from November 5, 2005 to October 12, 2016. Since October 12, 2016, the VA has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for depression, TDIU, and DEA benefits were denied as they did not arise prior to May 13, 2002.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed depressive disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus meeting the criteria for service connection.