Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, depression, and anger management disorder requires additional development of her medical records to determine if there is a link between her current diagnoses and her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with mild depression has been rated at 70 percent since February 3, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU from November 1, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain is service-connected, as it was initially incurred during active duty. The claim for depression will be remanded to obtain a VA examination and determine if there is any link between the Veteran's current mental health condition and his service-connected low back strain.

The Veteran's anxiety disability, along with depression and anger symptoms, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's MDD and anxiety disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire rating period on appeal, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify in-service stressors and obtain a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development and examination, requiring further review by VA.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnosed PTSD and that any psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder, are related to alcohol use disorder. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of her acquired psychiatric disorder is not supported by any timely NOD or new and material evidence submitted within one year of the April 1996 rating decision. As such, the effective date remains August 1, 2003.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has not been found to meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.,The Veteran is currently receiving a TDIU based on his service-connected depression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, an unspecified hip disability, and a right knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression were found to be manifested by symptoms productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the time period from January 10, 2006 to April 17, 2011.

The Veteran's major depression/depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with panic disorder, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the existence and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must also provide an opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not that any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for epileptic seizures and PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, but did find sufficient evidence to grant service connection for depression and panic disorders.

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

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 29, 2004 for the award of service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder.,An increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder from October 29, 2004 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder was granted, with a 50 percent evaluation. The claims for service connection for right foot drop and loss of use of the right side were also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with anxiety, left eye postoperative cataracts, left eye corneal edema, and left mandibular cystectomy residuals, are rated at 80 percent combined. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unemployable due to their severity and impact on her ability to work.