Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD prior to September 1, 2006 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the disability warranted a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was improperly reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable, and the Board has restored a 10 percent rating for this condition. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 12, 2010, for the grant of service connection for depression was denied. The Board found that the correct effective date is May 12, 2010.

The Board has determined that the appellant's Major Depressive Disorder is service-connected, as it was incurred during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) in the Oregon Army National Guard. The issue regarding a bilateral foot disability remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and a psychiatric disability, finding that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no diagnosis of PTSD in the record, so service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to have its onset during his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The right hand strain is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5229.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressor is corroborated and there is medical evidence linking his current symptoms to this stressor. Service connection was denied for bilateral flat feet.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether his current diagnoses are related to military service.

The Veteran's cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation did not result in additional disabilities, as his conditions are considered to be the result of his own condition rather than VA negligence or fault.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including emotional instability reaction (claimed as depression), and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now on remand to obtain medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression was initially denied in February 2006. After the VA requested and received additional relevant official service department records, which indicated service in Vietnam, the claim was reopened and granted effective from May 18, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the claim for a compensable rating for neuralgia paresthetica of the bilateral thighs has not been met. The claims for service connection are pending and will be remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and depression is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The VA has determined that this condition significantly impacts his ability to work.,The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities including PTSD, pulmonary asbestosis, peripheral neuropathy in both legs, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is currently rated as 50 percent disabling prior to September 30, 2015, and 70 percent thereafter. The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, mild memory loss, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right knee injury are currently rated as 30 percent disabling from September 1, 2017 (post total right knee replacement). The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. However, the examination did not include all required testing as per Correia v. McDonald.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 50 percent from June 9, 2008. The rating for headaches remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg injury, residuals of a left hip disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been rated at 70 percent since October 5, 2017.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since April 13, 2011. This rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to incomplete medical records. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.