Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder, rated at 70%, has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a new VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, nightmare disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence are on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. A mental health examination will also be scheduled to address the relationship between her psychiatric disorders and military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the highest schedular ratings available have been assigned for his hemorrhoids and thigh disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder results in occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms, such as depressed mood, which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are at least as likely as not related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's income exceeds the limit for receiving nonservice-connected pension, and he is denied entitlement to nonservice-connected VA pension. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a skin condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected major depressive disorder and right shoulder impingement syndrome were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of his current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sarcoidosis is being remanded to obtain an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly her Crohn's disease, anemia, and psychological conditions have precluded her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment throughout the course of her appeal. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including necrotizing fasciitis and major depression, are sufficiently severe to inhibit his ability to obtain gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including psychosis, non-psychotic depression, and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficiently severe to inhibit his ability to obtain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a major depressive disorder, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending and will be addressed after the rating assignment for the newly service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating. The reduction of the evaluation for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease was found to be improper.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, which includes major depressive disorder with panic disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since January 27, 2010. The Board also found that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, granting TDIU from January 27, 2010.

Your claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, has been granted. You are now rated at 70% for PTSD effective September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of her claims, including obtaining an opinion from a vocational specialist regarding her employability prior to April 11, 2001.