Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that there was partial improvement in the Veteran's depression symptoms, warranting a restoration of a 50% disability rating for the period from May 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, low back disability, or hypertension. The Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, including sleepwalking, has been rated at 50 percent since May 11, 2016. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from November 30, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 30 percent prior to August 7, 2013, and increased to 50 percent on or after that date. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for either period.

The Veteran's depression is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for additional development and compliance with prior remand directives, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 3, 2015. The rating reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his bilateral foot disability and for TDIU prior to February 8, 2012. The evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and grants service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD based on an established in-service stressor related to the Tet Offensive, and the Board finds that service connection for a psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested as sleep disturbance due to an undiagnosed illness, finding that his symptoms of sleep disturbance were related to his service-connected major depressive disorder and/or sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The issue of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for generalized anxiety disorder with depression is also being referred to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is related to in-service stressors. The VA has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's depression is rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate throughout the appeal period. The claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability from April 11, 1988, and the TDIU prior to July 14, 2010, are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the issue of depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot pes planus and denied the claims of major depressive disorder, PTSD, and CUE in the August 2006 rating decision regarding right foot pes planus. The Veteran's left foot disability is found to have had its onset during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his claim based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disability, or low back disability that is related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder was resolved in 2000 and no longer meets the criteria for service connection. The bilateral knee and low back disabilities are found to be less likely proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for further examination and review.