Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his right eye blindness and mental health disorders, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is not found to be related to service or his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address deficiencies in the May 2016 VA examination report.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 13, 2014. The rating is granted as the symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for evaluating psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is currently evaluated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of total occupational and social impairment. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and psychosis, was caused or aggravated by his service. The claim is pending further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, mood disorder, depression, and PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not show any relationship between or aggravation of any current psychiatric disorder and a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, and mood, warranting a higher 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since September 30, 2010. Effective from September 30, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability and a TDIU effective July 3, 2012.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are at least in equipoise with their onset during or shortly after service, thus warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a new VA examination to address service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, and his sleep impairment are related to service. The decision grants these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome with peripheral neuropathy, lumbar degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) involving both sciatic nerves, right and left heel retrocalcaneal bursitis, a right eyebrow scar, bilateral leg scars, and erectile dysfunction, are found to be of sufficient severity to require the need for assistance with his activities of daily living. The Board grants SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, and for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder has been rated as 70 percent disabling, but the Board found that there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment. The TBI issue was remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been withdrawn, and the cases are dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and anxiety. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for his left wrist disability is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant medical records and provide a new opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to satisfaction with the rating decision granting Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and permanent service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder.