Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed psychiatric disability, to include a generalized anxiety disorder and depression, is not etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. Additional development is required regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD, MDD with psychotic features, and alcohol, cannabis, and opiate abuse in remission. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues related to service connection and TDIU. The case must be returned for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, as well as his left eye disability, are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder and denied the remaining issues on appeal. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral cataracts. The Veteran's current diagnosis of congenital bilateral cataracts is not related to service, nor are his acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, or bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorder, ADHD and Sociopathic Personality Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, right knee disability, hypertension, low back disability, and several other conditions. The Board has ordered remand for additional development to ensure the claimant is afforded due process and that new VA examinations are conducted.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder, which as likely as not had its onset during or is otherwise related to her active duty service. Therefore, the criteria for a grant of service connection for a psychiatric disability have been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including consideration of new evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was remanded due to conflicting information in his service records and the need for further clarification regarding his military discharge.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were at least as likely as not incurred in service due to military sexual trauma. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate a physical deformity of the penis necessary for a compensable rating under DC 7522.,Service connection has been established for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was linked to his in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be linked to his exposure to herbicide agents during his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service at CFB Gagetown. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD with depression and anxiety, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for left wrist disability is pending as it requires further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since October 15, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, with a current rating of 10 percent. The Board also found that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent rating since January 16, 2001. Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been granted. The Veteran does not have service connection for sleep apnea or a bilateral foot disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), was incurred in active military service.