Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's hip complaints/degenerative disc disease of the hips were denied as secondary to a service-connected disability, but no medical opinion supports this finding.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, with depression is rated at 50 percent effective July 5, 2011. The TDIU claim remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating has not been assigned.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is not shown to be related to service, and the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.,VA examination revealed no current right or left knee disability. The Veteran reported pain in service but there was no medical record documentation until 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and paranoid schizophrenia. The diagnosis of personality disorder is not considered a disease or injury under VA compensation laws.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a left wrist condition have been granted. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for anxiety disorder has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been granted, with effective dates set at February 17, 2009.,Effective from February 17, 2009, the Veteran is now entitled to VA benefits for her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and TDIU was granted, with the effective date set at March 27, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records from the Harlem Vet Center and for proper notice regarding the TDIU claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including pedophilia, adjustment disorder, dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression, are at least as likely as not related to service. However, the skin cancer is not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to work.