Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently evaluated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Service connection for headaches has been granted as they are permanently aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected psychiatric disorder, and the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are not shown to be related to his military service or any service-connected disability. The claim for secondary service connection for alcohol abuse is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since May 13, 2008. Since August 16, 2012, the rating has increased to 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD based on a confirmed in-service stressor or evidence of anxiety and depression having onset during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD as defined by VA regulations and therefore denied service connection for PTSD. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that his current unspecified depression disorder is related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records and verifying the Veteran's claimed stressor. The Veteran is also to be provided with a new VA examination to assess his psychiatric condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric disorders are inextricably intertwined with her TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol and drug dependence, is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, finding that he meets the criteria for service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety. However, there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, STD residuals, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) are all found to be service-connected. The Veteran is granted an increased rating for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete evidence. The Veteran's psychiatric history includes multiple diagnoses since service separation, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and atypical psychosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and dysthymia, is not related to active service. The VA etiological opinions collectively support this finding.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since October 18, 2012, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities did not manifest within a year of separation from service, or are otherwise etiologically related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine and major depressive disorder are not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his service. His residuals of a traumatic brain injury are also found to be related to his service. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as further consideration of the Veteran's claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors and a need for further examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection of PTSD with depression. Other claims were not resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's otherwise specified depressive disorder has been granted a 30 percent rating, effective January 31, 2010. The claim for service connection for bilateral eye disability is denied.