Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorders, did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating beyond 30 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression, is found to be related to his in-service stressors. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 28, 2016 and at 70 percent from that date. The effective date for the increased rating has been set as January 28, 2016.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is denied.,The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder NOS are found to be related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's claim was filed on July 10, 2012, which is when he was granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, effective from September 3, 1996. The Veteran's claim was pending until the April 2012 rating decision granting service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to her service-connected tarsal navicular medial abnormality of the left foot, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's brain tumors originated during her active service and is granting service connection for this condition. The issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to brain tumors, will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders of anxiety NOS and depression NOS are due to military service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's skin disorder, as it is related to his in-service exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The effective date for tinnitus is set at August 19, 2002.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available. The Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant total disability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for increased depression was denied because there is no evidence that VA's care caused his condition or its progression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and the claim for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder and assigned a 50 percent disability evaluation, but the claim is dismissed as it constitutes a full award of the benefits sought.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disorder was aggravated by her active duty service, and thus she is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.