Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is rated at 50 percent effective March 11, 2011.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and schizophrenia. The new evidence received since the 1977 denial shows a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's evaluation for depression with schizophrenia was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of more than 70 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and clarification of certain symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right above the knee amputation, including reopening claims for various conditions and obtaining medical records from correctional facilities. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to assess his current disability status.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 1, 2008. Effective June 1, 2008, the Veteran also had additional disabilities totaling over 60 percent disabling, qualifying for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia as secondary to the service-connected right leg varicose veins. The rating for right leg varicose veins was increased to 10 percent, while sinusitis remained at 0 percent.

The Board found that the award of service connection for PTSD was not improper and did not involve CUE, thus restoring the award. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of the appeal regarding his depression claim, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence of record and have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were not found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as her symptoms did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since October 13, 2017. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including depression, is proximately due to or the result of service-connected disabilities, specifically his right and left knee disabilities. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disability on a secondary basis is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression and PTSD are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disabilities, as well as for additional VA treatment records. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression with anxiety, ADD, and PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST), was not caused or aggravated by a disease or injury in active service. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of depressive disorder, and the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of depressive disorder, and the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The issue of reopening a PTSD claim remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since March 23, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective May 15, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms warrant a 70 percent rating for the entire period under review.