Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Bilateral hearing loss was initially evaluated at zero percent prior to June 17, 2015 and has been increased to ten percent since that date.,Since June 17, 2015, bilateral hearing loss remains rated as ten percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from February 14, 2014, to January 3, 2016.,A TDIU was granted for this period.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating as his symptoms were not indicative of significant impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric condition was aggravated by service and whether it is at least as likely as not that her current psychiatric disorder began in or is related to active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's depressive disorder, finding that it is related to his military service. The appeal regarding polysubstance abuse was withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his allergic rhinitis, determine the nature and etiology of any sleep apnea and deviated septum, and ascertain whether service connection should be granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service. The Veteran will also be given an opportunity to provide more detailed information about the traumatic events he experienced during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, requires additional development due to the need for updated mental health examinations and verification of claimed stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right hip disability has been denied. The appeals for higher initial ratings for lumbar strain, left hip strain, and left thigh impingement are pending. The appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with mood congruent psychotic features is also pending.

The Veteran's appeal for chronic fatigue syndrome was withdrawn. The Board found that the Veteran has PTSD, depression, and insomnia related to his service as a combat veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted, but the earliest possible effective date is November 12, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that it warrants a higher rating of 100 percent since March 31, 2015.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and scarring of the chin and left mandibular were granted increased ratings, with the depression rating being set at 70 percent effective June 2, 2014. The service connection for lumbar spine disorder was reopened based on new evidence showing continuous back pain since service separation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. The claims for higher ratings for hearing loss and tinnitus, service connection for MDD, and reopening of the low back disability claim are no longer before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, did not manifest in service or is related to any event during service. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the current psychiatric disability is not related to service or any event, injury, or disease during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not support service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depressive disorders, not otherwise specified, and PTSD; increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, boutonniere deformity of the right little finger, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, and residuals of a right wrist injury have been denied. The Veteran's claims are currently under appellate status.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not etiologically related to active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for CFS and Substance Abuse has been withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for PTSD as a result of in-service personal assault stressors, but denied service connection for the other psychiatric conditions.