Depression decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen her claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for further development, including verification of periods of active duty training (ADT) performed by the Veteran while serving with the Air National Guard and a VA examination to address whether an acquired psychiatric disorder was incurred in or related to her service.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service event and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the increased disability ratings for major depressive disorder and left ankle strain, Grade III.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is not causally or etiologically related to active service, and is not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of March 8, 2013. The initial rating assigned was 30 percent prior to February 11, 2016, and increased to 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depression have been service-connected based on the evidence of record, with no indication that any specific exposure basis applies.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the etiology of the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder and determine if it is related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder with panic attacks resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to April 30, 2015. As of April 30, 2015, the impairment was more severe.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's attorney is owed $16,712.60 in past-due attorney fees due to their representation of the Veteran on his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and related conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to May 10, 2017 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. Depression and anxiety disorder were also considered but did not warrant separate ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and anxiety have been rated at a 70 percent disability level since April 14, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of social isolation, crying spells, irritability, sleep impairment, and depressed mood resulted in deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mood/depressive disorder is caused by his service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case has been remanded to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders existed prior to service and were aggravated during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, effectively dismissing the claims for a higher rating and an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 30 percent disabling prior to July 6, 2015. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a rating of 50 percent for the entire appeal period prior to July 6, 2015.

The Board found no evidence of carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill on the part of VA in providing treatment for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. The appellant's depression was not determined to be caused by VA treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity during any part of the rating period since May 2010. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since October 3, 2014. His depression is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional records from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The VA will attempt to obtain these records and consider all relevant evidence before making a decision on his claims.