Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied because she did not attend a VA examination scheduled in accordance with her increased rating claim without good cause.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a videoconference hearing, and further proceedings are required.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent evaluation prior to July 24, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and upper back disability is etiologically related to her active duty service.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder (MDD) is caused by her service-connected lumbar and cervical disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, a right knee disability, and a back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his service, including combat experiences in Korea. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as any relevant psychiatric service treatment records. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus or plantar fasciitis may be related to her service-connected anterior tibialis tendonitis of the lower extremities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as the appellant's current condition is not related to any injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during her periods of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. The claim was also denied for reopening claims for disorders of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD, including major depression secondary to prostate cancer treatment, is currently rated at 70 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and schizophrenia. The new evidence submitted did not relate to the basis of the prior denial.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates. The Board has determined that a hearing is necessary before the RO to address these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 100 percent since August 4, 2010. The issue of a TDIU rating is moot due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Effective April 8, 2004, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling prior to August 24, 2010 and at 100 percent disabling effective April 30, 2014. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of her disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and alcohol hallucinosis/depression. The rating assigned for lumbar myositis herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 and L4-L5 was 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other unspecified depressive disorders. The evidence did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and no other diagnosed condition was found to be related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor and thus, service connection for PTSD cannot be established. The acquired psychiatric disorder was also deemed to be unrelated to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence in remission, are related to his service. The claim is therefore granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA vocational rehabilitation records. A new VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.