Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and depression are being remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases provided by the Board. The case will be reviewed after further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and verification of service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his dysthymic disorder with anxiety and depressive disorder, do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his educational and occupational background. However, as of April 6, 2012, no single service-connected disability renders him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to a higher rating from November 3, 2012. Prior to this date, the symptoms were moderate and caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or related to his active service, and is not proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected right middle finger osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder resulted in significant occupational and social impairment from November 27, 2007 to July 19, 2009. From July 20, 2009 to November 24, 2013, the disability prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to address the Veteran's reported stressors in service, including his fear while serving aboard a ship off the coast of Lebanon. The TDIU claim is dependent on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the ratings of major depressive disorder and diabetes mellitus type II, thus the Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to address the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a rating of 70 percent effective May 6, 2015. The interstitial cystitis and hypertonic overactive bladder have been granted a rating of 60 percent effective June 14, 2012.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are linked to in-service stressors, including near capsizing of his ship and loss of power while aboard ship. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is related to service and granted. Service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral tinnitus are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD based on MST, depression, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by symptoms of night sweats and fevers or weight loss distinct from his service-connected sarcoidosis. Therefore, he is denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 50 percent, effective April 26, 2010.

The Veteran's major depression has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot as the claim for an increased rating for major depression has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD with depression and alcohol dependence in remission is related to his combat service in the Republic of Vietnam, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder and anxiety), and ischemic heart disease as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty.