Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression that manifested during or as a result of active military service. The Board finds the evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, with depressive disorder and anxiety reaction with headaches and peptic ulcer was rated at 70 percent from June 25, 2007 to August 11, 2009.

The Veteran's ischemic cardiomyopathy is found to be related to his service-connected dental trauma, and the acquired psychiatric disability and memory loss are considered secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder have been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty maintaining employment, marital problems, and strained relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to outstanding questions regarding current diagnosis and etiology in connection with the claim. Additional attempts are needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor event and obtain VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since November 18, 2016. This rating is in line with the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported symptoms did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and determined that he does not have a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found no causal connection between his current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disability present since 2009 is caused or aggravated by events in active service. The Veteran's correct mailing address must be verified and he should be notified of the re-scheduled examination.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a 10 percent rating for left knee limitation of motion and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability. The right knee disability is rated at 20 percent prior to September 19, 2016. The depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent. No effective date was provided.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since October 5, 2010. The effective date for this rating remains unchanged as the claim was received within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is increased in severity due to his service-connected left shoulder degenerative arthritis and post-operative residuals of a left shoulder putti-platt procedure for recurrent dislocations, with contracture. Service connection for a depressive disorder secondary to these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected dyshidrotic eczema.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination to address his psychiatric and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent disabling since October 16, 2013. The effective date for the TDIU rating remains October 16, 2013.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various psychiatric, headache, insomnia and fatigue conditions. The Board finds that further examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA medical examination to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions and their impact on employment. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until the increased rating claim has been addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to include obtaining his VA treatment records, SSA records, and counseling center records. A VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to the claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, hypertension, a prostate disorder, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, a right shoulder disorder, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis.