Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been manifested by symptoms more closely resembling occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity throughout the time period of this appeal, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his service connection claim for PTSD and increased rating claim for MDD before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury and granted service connection. The Veteran also has been granted service connection for depression and bilateral knee arthritis.,Service connection is granted for lumbar disc disease, depressive disorder, and bilateral knee arthritis.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent for the entire period on appeal, and he is no longer entitled to a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence due to PTSD.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence shows symptoms consistent with occupational and social impairment but without total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected VA pension benefits was denied as he failed to provide requested information necessary to determine his eligibility, and the available evidence does not document permanent and total disability due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is currently service-connected for migraine headaches, major depressive disorder, right wrist disorder, and sinusitis. The combined rating for these conditions from July 10, 2006 to May 5, 2014 is 70 percent.,Prior to July 10, 2006, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, she has been unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is a result of drug abuse during service, specifically his involvement in an assault involving illegal substances. As such, direct service connection cannot be established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no diagnosis of PTSD and no link between any current psychiatric disorders and active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and panic disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective May 10, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

From February 28, 2008 to February 10, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD with depression was productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas; however, total occupational and social impairment was not shown.,Since February 11, 2013, the Veteran has experienced total occupational and social impairment due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for obesity due to conflicting opinions and the need for further development. The Veteran's obesity is being reviewed with respect to her service-connected conditions, including major depression, status post parotidectomy/Frey's syndrome, hypothyroidism/Graves' disease, and hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to February 11, 2016. After that date, the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are found to be due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, and he receives separate ratings for right knee instability and semilunar cartilage condition. However, the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right leg flexion remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Therefore, the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for psychological disorders. A new VA examination is required to address the Veteran's stressors and determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.