Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was granted effective July 6, 2004, as he met the criteria of being unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's gynecological disorder, including uterine fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, is found to have been incurred during active service.,New evidence has been submitted that supports reopening the claims for right and left knee disabilities. The Board will now consider these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and a low back disorder. Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left upper arm/shoulder disorder, and dental disorder (for VA outpatient treatment purposes). The appeal is pending on the issue of service connection for TBI.

The Veteran's skin disability, characterized as lipomatosis and residuals thereof, including scars, has been granted a 30 percent rating. His claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted, with the rating assigned based on new evidence that reopened his previous claim.

The Veteran's left hip fracture was not reasonably foreseeable, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the left hip fracture is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private treatment records. The Veteran should also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for blepharitis, an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, and chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as fibrosis of the lungs). The claim for service connection for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD with psychotic features.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder including PTSD and depression, TBI, frostbite, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision found no current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran submitted a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding the effective date for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and depressive disorder. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 30 percent prior to May 17, 2016, and at 70 percent from that date. The TDIU was granted effective May 17, 2016.,PTSD and depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas including work, social relations, and mood.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD have been rated, but his OSA is not considered secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has not found the criteria for a higher rating to be met.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and a supplemental medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The case will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression has been granted a rating of 70 percent, and the Board has found that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disability. The TDIU claim is therefore granted.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as mood disorder and major depressive disorder are due to in-service stressors related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran is found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse in sustained remission is rated at 50 percent, effective August 20, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for hypothyroidism with cold intolerance, hair and skin changes, fatigue, and major depressive disorder has been remanded due to the need for further development of her medical records and examination opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other psychiatric conditions are not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.