Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits to support gunsmith training has been denied as the evidence does not show that further independent training is necessary for him to obtain or maintain entry level employment in his chosen area.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse prior to May 15, 2013 was denied. The Veteran received a 10% disability rating for neuralgia of the seventh cranial nerve effective February 24, 2015 and this decision is final. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the 10% disability rating for neuralgia of the seventh cranial nerve prior to February 24, 2015 was denied. The Veteran received TDIU status prior to May 15, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse prior to May 15, 2013 was denied. The Veteran received a 10% disability rating for neuralgia of the seventh cranial nerve effective February 24, 2015 and this decision is final. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the 10% disability rating for neuralgia of the seventh cranial nerve prior to February 24, 2015 was denied. The Veteran received TDIU status prior to May 15, 2013.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The Veteran's lumbarization S1 with spondylolisthesis has been rated as 10 percent since August 25, 2010, and 20 percent from August 15, 2011 to January 4, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board did not find that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an updated VA examination using DSM-IV standards, as the case was certified before the effective date of the new DSM-V criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The appeal is not ready for final decision and needs further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) to include depression was found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's MDD and PTSD have warranted a disability rating of 50 percent prior to November 4, 2016, and a maximum disability rating of 100 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion to assess whether the Veteran suffered from an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of his service and whether it caused or contributed substantially to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to July 20, 2016 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2013.

The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disability, effective from April 24, 2012. The Veteran's spasmodic torticollis was rated as noncompensable. TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been manifested by symptoms that result in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but overall functioning is satisfactory with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the Veteran died before a decision was made on his request to reopen his claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was initially rated at 50 percent prior to October 11, 2016. The rating has since been increased to 100 percent effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. A new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran has PTSD attributable to his confirmed in-service stressor of experiencing fires while aboard the USS Providence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

Throughout the rating period, the Veteran's PTSD with associated depressive and personality disorders has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was caused by events he experienced during his service in Vietnam. The Board found that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's major depression has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.