Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, granting a higher rating than initially assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder. The appeal regarding VA medical treatment for a psychosis or mental illness under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are due to stressful events he experienced in service. The Board has found that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. He also received TDIU from May 18, 2012 to July 23, 2014.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating, service connection, and reopening of a claim related to various conditions. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.

The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes is not reopened, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is required to provide a new diagnosis and determine if there are any other diagnosed conditions related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, and headache disability are granted service connection. However, hypertension is denied as it did not manifest within one year of the Veteran's discharge from active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to confirm a stressor event, but acknowledges that the Veteran's statements are credible and considers his lay statements in determining the nature of his psychiatric disabilities. A VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are granted as service-connected due to an in-service assault. The TDIU issue is remanded for further rating consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic back pain and depression, prevent her from securing or following any substantially gainful employment. The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and related symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are rated at 50 percent effective June 5, 1969. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and the aggravation of her pre-existing acquired psychiatric disorder during her second period of ACDUTRA. The AOJ is instructed to verify these periods and obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's breast cancer is granted service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for post bilateral photorefractive keratectomy and PTSD with depressive disorder is remanded. The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal because his claim for service connection for persistent depressive disorder was granted, and his bilateral foot disorders were not related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted as service connected due to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, depression, and alcohol dependency disorder have been reopened. Service connection is granted for acquired psychiatric disorders (other than alcohol dependency disorder). Secondary service connection is granted for alcohol dependency disorder as it is proximately due or aggravated by an already service-connected condition.