Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus II, and major depressive disorder as secondary to alcoholism. The reasons are provided in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's post-phlebitic syndrome of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 60 percent since January 21, 2016 and denied for higher ratings. The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since January 6, 2016 and denied for higher ratings.,The evidence does not support a finding of entitlement to the requested increased disability ratings for post-phlebitic syndrome or persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and left knee disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of a current disability at the time of filing, and there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between the conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to in-service military sexual trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 50 percent disabling since April 20, 2017. The other conditions have been rated appropriately based on their severity and impact on the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for consideration of whether a TDIU is warranted on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, and MDD has been granted. As a result, the case is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to military service.

The Board has decided that additional development is required due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the appellant's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10% prior to February 25, 2017. Since then, the evaluation has been increased to 70%. The current rating reflects significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including paranoid schizophrenia and depression, is service connected as it was linked to symptoms present during his active duty service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right or left knee disability, and there is no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and PTSD) related to service. The preponderance of the evidence fails to establish any such relationship.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including OCD, PTSD, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and bipolar disorder, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors or a nexus between current diagnoses and military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, sexual disorder, and ADHD, more closely approximates an occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and normal conversation).

The Veteran was rendered unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities prior to October 2, 2014.