Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2014 and granted a rating of 70 percent. The back disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as noncompensable prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable prior to July 7, 2015 and granted a compensable rating.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU prior to June 29, 2010 and an increased rating for chronic headaches. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated treatment records and referral of the claim to the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered after the additional evidence has been obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin disability, other than of the legs and feet, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure is dismissed.,The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for skin rash of the legs and feet, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure, has been denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vertigo, and increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, this claim is being remanded for further development as an additional VA examination is needed to determine if any currently or previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for depression, claimed as secondary to lumbosacral sprain, requires additional development and remand.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and major depressive disorder render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD and his current acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety disorder and to include depression, is not service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis was reopened and granted. The status of the psychiatric disability rating and TDIU issues is pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Affective Disorder are at least as likely as not related to service, specifically his experience in Somalia where he was attacked by Somalian soldiers. The diagnosis of PTSD is supported by lay testimony and corroborated military personnel records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran needs another VA examination to clarify these diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically the morphine prescribed for his service-connected left knee disability. As a result, the Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia, had their onset during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) in 2008-2009. The Board finds service connection is warranted based on the aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran withdrew her mental health service connection claim before a decision was made.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including depression, mood disorder, and anxiety with sleep disorder, is found to be related to service. However, the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a withdrawal of the cysts claim and for additional development regarding his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling prior to September 18, 2013. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.