Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: a claim for increased ratings for PTSD with MDD, and a TDIU claim. The Board has determined that the issues are inextricably intertwined due to the overlap between the PTSD rating and the TDIU claim. As such, both claims have been remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders may be related to his military service, but further medical opinion is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as there was no link between the current diagnoses and in-service stressors. The Veteran's statements were considered to be outweighed by other evidence against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently has PTSD as a result of enduring enemy mortar attacks while serving in Iraq, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus, headaches, lower back disability, and depression are all service-connected.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 50 percent, while hypothyroidism remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for residual scars, first degree burns of the face. The Veteran's other claims have also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and evaluation of the Veteran's sleep apnea and anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The Veteran has no service-connected disabilities, which precludes entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU and his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and their etiology, including considering his in-service symptoms and any potential triggers of his present disorder(s).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and depression, as well as sleep apnea. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.,Service treatment records did not indicate any signs or symptoms of mental health issues during service. The earliest diagnosis was in 2010, which is more than a decade after separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected cognitive deficits and major depressive disorder associated with cerebral vascular accident with hemorrhage have been granted a 70 percent disability rating from October 16, 2003 to December 13, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's allegations of being falsely accused of sexual harassment during military service are credible. The Board concluded that these allegations likely caused his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss, PTSD, or a pulmonary disorder. The evidence is insufficient to establish these conditions as being related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected depression, PTSD and alcoholism was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating prior to March 13, 2009 or since then.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated based on limitation of motion and instability, with a current evaluation of 60 percent effective February 4, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for depression and major depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for nervous condition and depression. The Veteran is granted service connection for somatic symptom disorder, but his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to the need for a VA examination to consider newly identified events in service relevant to the claim.