Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected major depressive disorder and her TDIU claim are both granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was granted at 50 percent prior to February 7, 2013. From July 1, 2013 to June 4, 2014, the rating was increased to 70 percent. After that date, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's MDD has been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, but his claim is denied as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension due to insufficient evidence on file. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he asserts were incurred during his active duty service.

Service connection granted for PTSD, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and Depressive Disorder due to in-service stressors.,Service connection denied for Right Hip Claudication, Left Hip Claudication, Abdominal Disorder, and GI Disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, major depression with episodes of psychosis and secondary substance abuse. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for Major Depression associated with lymphedema, left ankle is being remanded due to recent life events that may have worsened her symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are at least as likely as not caused by an in-service stressor related to his wife's miscarriage while he was aboard a submarine. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right ankle disability, and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his hemorrhoids, right knee condition, and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD with depressive disorder not otherwise specified have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left forearm disability and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorder).

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol dependence was manifested by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as sleep impairment, anxiety, depression, and nightmares. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.