Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin conditions, right testicle disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not related to his active duty service. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability. Service connection for hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is causally linked to his active service, specifically his time in the Philippines. The Board finds the VA examiner's opinion significantly probative and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for service-connected depression has been withdrawn. The Board also granted the Veteran a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his combined disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are rated based on their impact on his occupational and social functioning. The Board has granted a higher rating for PTSD, but the case is remanded to address whether he qualifies for TDIU due to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder in remission is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 20, 2017.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from August 21, 2012. His migraines are currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has also determined that the Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to work prior to May 6, 2014. The appeal is now pending again with the AOJ.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depression. The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to in-service stressors or caused by service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied his claim for an increased rating and also denied entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied because he failed to report for necessary VA examinations, which were required to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and mood disorder, including depression, are caused or aggravated by his service. However, there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection for residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and hypertension has been granted, with the PTSD being secondary to his hypertension. The initial rating for hypertension remains at 10 percent. Service connection for depression is also granted as secondary to hypertension. However, TDIU is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new examination to assess the severity of his major depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is also part of this appeal.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since March 20, 2014, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected systemic lupus erythematosus and major depressive disorder.

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

The Board has granted service connection for depression on a secondary basis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower extremity neuropathy. The Veteran's back condition is rated at 20 percent. TDIU remains pending.