Depression decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to an in-service personal assault, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder did not result in total occupational and social impairment at any time during the period on appeal, thus his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board finds that there is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric condition during service, and the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not shown to be related to his military service. The Board also cannot establish service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder as superimposed upon a personality disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be service-connected, and his substance abuse disorder is found to be secondary to his now service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as his limitations are due to non-service connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his service, but acknowledges that he experienced symptoms during and after his duty on funeral detail. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,For his depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, a disability rating of 50 percent has been granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, including erectile dysfunction.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide the appellant with an appropriate VA psychiatric examination. The examiner is requested to determine if the appellant currently has any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, and whether these conditions are related to his active service or any incident therein.

The Board found no evidence to support a direct relationship between the Veteran's service and his acquired psychiatric disorder, nor did it find that any service-connected disability aggravated or caused this condition. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was primarily manifested by feelings of sadness, low self-worth, lack of motivation, anhedonia, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, anger, and occasional suicidal ideation. These symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to May 14, 2014.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, diagnosed as social anxiety and depression, are found to have been aggravated by his active service. As a result, the Board has determined that he is entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, left ankle disability (status post fracture), and left hip bursitis, have rendered him unemployable for the entire rating period from September 7, 2007. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. Service connection is granted for cervical dystonia. The issue of heat exhaustion residuals and migraine headaches secondary to cervical dystonia are also addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and depression, finding that his current symptoms are related to his military service in Beirut and Somalia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision of both eyes. Therefore, she is not eligible for automotive and/or specially adapted equipment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and even if he did, there is no competent evidence linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is found to have incepted or been aggravated by her active service, and the Board grants service connection for these conditions.