Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the appellant's anxiety disorder, depression, and alcohol use disorder are related to his service during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in March 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the period prior to May 25, 2016, but denied any higher ratings or TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder have been manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances including work or a worklike setting; difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships; disturbances of motivation and mood; panic attacks weekly or less often; depressed mood; anxiety; and chronic sleep impairment. The Veteran's service-connected conditions meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service personal trauma or stressor sufficient for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left forearm, Muscle Group VIII, with incomplete paralysis of the left radial nerve was denied. The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were also rated at 70 percent since May 11, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinion regarding whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service, including a personality disorder. The claim will be reconsidered in light of all evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right hand disorder, and a skin disorder are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a linkage between any current conditions and service.

The Veteran's stroke and its residuals are service-connected, but his acquired psychiatric disability is not. The TDIU claim is granted effective September 27, 2010.

The Veteran's insomnia, to include depression and/or dysthymic disorder, is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including IBS and anxiety disorder. The RO granted service connection for IBS but denied all other claims. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of IBS and determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any relevant SSA records. The case will be reviewed to determine if service connection can be granted or a higher rating assigned.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, aggravated his depression which contributed to his death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are found to be related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions. The appeal regarding headaches is dismissed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 70 percent rating from January 29, 2013, to January 4, 2016, and since May 1, 2016. The bilateral pes planus symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 10 percent rating from January 20, 2011, to September 2, 2015. The reduction in the left shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted. The reduction in the right shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have, as likely as not, precluded him from maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history for the period prior to May 20, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than alcohol and stimulant use disorders, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's substance abuse is due to willful misconduct and therefore not service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected as it was continuous since his last period of active service.,The Veteran's depressive disorder is service-connected as it is due to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues related to service connection and TDIU. The claims will be reconsidered after the requested information is obtained.