Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to active service. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder arose in or is otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint/muscle pain to include arthritis and acquired psychiatric disorder including depression have been remanded due to the need for VA examinations and the need to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since September 4, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating and denied an increased rating claim for his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and major depressive disorder are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed. A 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted effective from August 24, 2007.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted an increased rating to 70 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including additional examinations and medical opinions to address functional loss due to flare-ups and service connection for Peyronie’s disease.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issue of service connection for forgetfulness has been withdrawn by the Veteran. The issues of service connection for traumatic brain injury and seizures are remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from September 2, 2014, to December 1, 2014. The rating was granted due to total occupational and social impairment caused by the symptoms of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, major depressive disorder, and hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension). The claim for reopening of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation from the date of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and traumatic brain injury was granted. The effective date of the grant is June 4, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression not otherwise specified with opioid, cocaine, and cannabis dependence in early remission are rated at 70 percent. The Board finds that the evidence shows these conditions effectively preclude the Veteran from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, personality disorder, anxiety, and depression, is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for borderline personality disorder was dismissed. The Board remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse, are granted as service connected. The diagnoses are based on in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder have been rated at 50 percent since July 27, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they only meet the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, were incurred in service due to a stressor related to his military duties. The claim is granted.