Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of her psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and mild neurocognitive disorder are related to his military service. The VA examiner found no specific diagnosis for his stomach disorder but concluded it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by his military service. For his migraine headaches, twitching in the neck, and stomach disorder, the Board finds that a new examination is necessary as the current opinion did not address whether these conditions were aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability other than her service-connected major depressive disorder was denied. The Board found no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service assault and concluded that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability other than her already service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a review of his November 2014 VA psychiatric examination report and because both his PTSD claim and TDIU claim are inextricably intertwined. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining the requested records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hearing loss, and the Board finds that there is no nexus between the Veteran's depression and his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychological disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is rated at 50 percent disabling as of August 8, 2014. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired impulse control, difficulty in understanding complex commands, and impaired judgment.

The Veteran's major depression is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9434. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to her symptoms of flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, and disturbances of motivation and mood.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, does not meet the criteria for service connection due to a lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD with major depression and alcohol dependence in remission, warrants a rating of 70 percent prior to February 6, 2014, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's depression and lumbar spine condition are related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, granting service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting mild-to-moderate social impairment and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for the initial ratings requested for PTSD, GERD, acne vulgaris, and DJD of the left knee. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, but the case is REMANDED to obtain a new VA examination to address whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined evaluation of 70 percent, qualifying him for TDIU as of October 28, 2016. The claim for home adaptation grant or specially adapted housing is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, that is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder, and depression, is service-connected. The bilateral perforated eardrums and recurrent ear infections are also found to be service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. The Veteran's current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is related to his military service.