Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and for HIV-related illness are still pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to May 14, 2012. From May 14, 2012 to April 8, 2015, the rating remained at 30 percent. As of April 8, 2015, a higher rating was granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, personality disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision also notes that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet criteria for Total Disability Evaluation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to outstanding VA mental health treatment records and a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected back disability. The Board denied the claims for paralysis agitans and prostate cancer as there was no evidence of a present disability.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus have been rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU effective September 7, 2010 due to his service-connected MDD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and their relationship to his psychiatric conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is presumed to have pre-existed service and thus not incurred in or aggravated by service. The remaining issues of service connection for back, bilateral foot, hypertension, joint, and leg disabilities were also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS, has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that a 50 percent evaluation was warranted for the entire period remaining on appeal.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, which he claims are related to his service-connected kidney disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, particularly in the form of a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities were caused or aggravated by his service-connected kidney disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 1, 2009. The rating was granted as the disability meets the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and right shoulder strain have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since June 24, 2011. The rating is based on the current level of occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including MDD and dysthymia with a secondary borderline personality disorder, has not met the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 14, 2016 or 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective the date of claim. The left knee chondromalacia is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing new VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's knee and back disabilities as well as his depression.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and dysthymia, did not have a direct link to his military service. The evidence does not support an in-service stressor or show that any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including those seeking service connection for various conditions and disabilities. The Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for the above issues, and thus the case is dismissed.