Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and depression as a result of in-service sexual trauma, and the Board finds that this disability is related to her service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted.

The appellant is not recognized as a helpless child due to his ability to attend high school and later pursue higher education, indicating he was capable of self-support prior to age 18.,He does not meet the criteria for DIC benefits or VA death pension benefits based on his father's service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations and a review of his service treatment records. The issues on appeal will be remanded to allow for this development.

The documents submitted by the Veteran on May 12, 2015 did not constitute a timely or adequate substantive appeal for his increased ratings claims for major depressive disorder and headaches. The Board finds that the VA Form 9 was submitted after the deadline.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal in a September 2017 Statement in Support of Claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, is not related to his active service or his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure. The Board also finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since May 23, 2008, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected mood disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied. The Veteran's current disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied because he failed to report for necessary VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder was not incurred in or caused by his time in active service, nor is it proximately due to his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a depressive disorder, including as secondary to previously service-connected disabilities, is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for TBI and related psychiatric disabilities is denied as there are no current disabilities found to be residuals of a TBI incurred in service. The Veteran also does not have any service-connected disabilities, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability related to his active duty service, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence is against a finding of such a connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury and neck condition, claimed as residuals of a neck injury, has been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD. The evidence received since the last final denial shows that the Veteran had a pre-existing depressive disorder which was not aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since May 1, 2012. This rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.