Depression decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal was granted for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The other issues were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression), and a higher evaluation for spontaneous pneumothorax were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was not manifest in service or related to service. The evidence did not establish a link between any current psychiatric condition and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted. The VA also determined that the Veteran's abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery did not result in any additional disability, and thus denied his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS, is currently rated at 50 percent since September 14, 2016. Prior to that date, the rating was 10 percent.

The Board found no current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The psychiatric conditions were not related to service, and fibromyalgia was not related to service either.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and requests for additional evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all available records are obtained.

The Veteran does not have PTSD and his psychiatric symptoms are not related to service. His bilateral hearing loss is presumed to be due to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of his claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, is granted as service connected. The claim for PTSD is denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence and inconsistency with the circumstances of his service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, along with PTSD, has been rated at 50 percent since January 18, 2005. The Board granted a TDIU prior to September 18, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and there is insufficient evidence to corroborate her in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, pain disorder, and generalized anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability prior to December 17, 2012. The evidence does not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating at any time during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has been rated at 70 percent since April 6, 2015.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his combined disability rating meets the schedular criteria for a 60% rating since May 10, 2007. However, he is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.