Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for headaches and TBI were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claim for PTSD with MDD was also denied, but only prior to December 20, 2013; from that date onwards, he received ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities and any acquired psychiatric disorders, and determining the nature and etiology of any diagnosed eye disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder was not present during active military service or to a compensable degree within one year of separation, and is not etiologically related to any incident of service. The claim for respiratory disorder has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is caused by his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missed VA examinations and outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's vertigo and acquired psychiatric disability are being evaluated again.

The Veteran's current depression is caused by his active duty service and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD due to a military sexual assault (MTS), anxiety and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims of an MST have been corroborated by multiple VA providers who accepted her reports as credible.

The Veteran's depressive disorder associated with bladder cancer is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not accurately depict the severity of his condition. The Veteran has fatigue, anxiety, low motivation, and mild memory loss, which are consistent with a 50% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. However, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a 50% evaluation for the period prior to February 19, 2015. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding PTSD, major depressive disorder with anxious distress, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal for reinstating apportionment of the Veteran's benefits to his dependent mother was dismissed as he is not a proper claimant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for status post excision of malignant melanoma on the right scapular area, claimed as skin cancer, has been reopened. The evidence submitted relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.,Service connection was denied for dermatoheliosis (skin rash) due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 19, 2008 for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for a disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder were not met from May 17, 2011 onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent from July 19, 2013. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the period prior to July 19, 2013.,From July 19, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals that interfere with his routine activities, unprovoked irritability and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board has found these symptoms more nearly approximate a 70 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disabilities, residuals of inner head injury, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not shown to be related to his military service.,His hepatic disorder, including hepatitis C and cirrhosis, did not manifest during or within one year after service and is not linked to any in-service event.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back disability and bilateral hip disability. The appeal for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals on bone disease, diabetes mellitus, and forehead laceration were withdrawn prior to the promulgation of a decision. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was granted as secondary to TBI.

The Board has found the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and imbalance and dizziness. The Board also finds that an in-service stressor occurred during service. However, the VA examiner did not find a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran’s military service. Therefore, the case is remanded for further examination to address the Veteran's complete medical history and determine if his current psychiatric and balance disorders are related to his military service.