Depression decisions — 2018

A 70 percent rating for service-connected psychiatric disability is granted prior to and from July 27, 2015. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of T11 vertebral compression fracture and remanded the issues of service connection for bronchial asthma and major depression with psychotic features (secondary to bronchial asthma).

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires assistance with his activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore grants special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no indication of intent to apply for service connection before May 11, 2006.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including his claimed acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD, depression, and anxiety), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities. The remand includes a request for additional development regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted a 20 percent evaluation.,Service connection for an immune disorder, throat polyps, colon polyps, breast mass, and hypertension secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is denied. The acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder due to another medical condition) related to service-connected bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service stressors and current symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's service in the Horn of Africa and a need for additional medical opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Male Erectile Disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The Veteran's lay statements were not considered sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic disorder is rated at 70 percent since June 9, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as PTSD with depressive disorder, are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety features was granted service connection as it developed in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depression Disorder and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (to include depression), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a rating in excess of 30 percent for diarrhea of uncertain etiology, and TDIU due to lack of competent evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression as secondary to bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the awards of a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with depression and entitlement to TDIU should be June 10, 2008. The case is now REMANDED for further development related to the issue of an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder with secondary unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability and does not warrant a higher rating.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for hepatitis C and depression is granted. The claim for service connection for shoulder disability is denied, but the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is remanded.