Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee pain and arthritis. His combined service-connected rating was 90 percent, effective October 31, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder and for increased ratings, finding that there was no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to December 31, 2014. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms of depression and anxiety dating back over 50 years.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his in-service trauma and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a higher disability rating for prostate cancer, and the propriety of reducing his disability rating. The Board has ordered additional examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left hip disability, status post THA was denied. The Board found that the additional disability did not result from VA care or negligence. Service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted and rated at 70 percent effective February 18, 2004.

The Veteran's psoriasis and depressive disorder were found to be permanently aggravated by service, allowing for service connection. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms prior to March 9, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent, but his symptoms beginning on or after March 9, 2012 met the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and depressive disorder that are related to his reported in-service stressors/military service, and the Board finds service connection for these conditions is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including depressive and anxiety disorders, is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, NOS resulted in significant occupational and social impairment. The right ankle disability and skin disorder to include eczema are presumed to have begun during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse and cannabis abuse are rated at 70 percent, effective November 21, 2009. The claim for a TDIU is granted but the effective date remains September 25, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and as secondary to service-connected asbestosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is currently rated at 30 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his disability based on symptoms such as flattened affect and occasional panic attacks.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for depression as secondary to coronary artery disease (CAD), a rating in excess of 10 percent for CAD, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD due to incomplete information from VA treatment records. The Veteran's mental health condition is unclear, and an addendum opinion is needed to determine if he has a separate diagnosis of depression or if it is part of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD to include adjustment disorder and anxiety depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since September 20, 2017. The rating remains subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left wrist disability and major depressive disorder. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability.