Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for varicose veins and granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The left knee disability is not considered distinct from the service-connected peripheral vascular disease, but it is not determined whether it is aggravated by that condition. Service connection for anxiety disorder and depression are also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including an adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety, were not incurred in service or related to any in-service event or illness. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service or a pre-existing condition was aggravated by service. The diagnoses are found to be less likely related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a Decision Review Officer hearing due to the Veteran's request and will then consider the TDIU claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability did not manifest during or as a result of service and is not related to any service-connected condition. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back pain and acquired psychiatric disability are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder with Chronic Dyssomnia, and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and verifying his reported stressors. A VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are found to be related to a period of INACDUTRA during service, resulting in service connection.,Major depressive disorder is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, leading to service connection for this condition.,Left leg numbness (sciatica) is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, resulting in service connection.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a reduction of the rating for Osgood-Schlatter's disease of the right knee, and thus denied the reduction. The effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted prior to April 5, 2011.

The Veteran's lung cancer and depression were not found to be related to his service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is service-connected due to exposure to traumatic events during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for VA examinations and additional development of records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to outstanding VA medical records, and the Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 27, 2017. The symptoms have caused significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50% rating for his service-connected conditions. The Board has also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder prior to June 28, 2011 was rated at 50 percent.,From June 28, 2011, the Veteran's major depressive disorder warranted a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent as of June 10, 2011. This prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.,As of June 10, 2011, the Veteran was found to meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression), and a right leg disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's mood disorder with depression is currently rated at 30 percent prior to August 21, 2017, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.