Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety, agoraphobia, and depression rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period. The Board granted a TDIU rating. However, the VA treatment records from October 2013 to present are missing, necessitating their retrieval.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied. The Veteran's depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder associated with chronic lumbosacral strain were granted a rating of 100 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's conjunctivitis was granted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating, reflecting total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, memory loss, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected major depressive disorder has been withdrawn. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected depression, finding that his condition prevents him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her military experiences.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for depression, and a VA examination is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a VA examination and requests for additional records. The Veteran is advised to provide releases for all medical care providers that treated him for psychiatric problems from June 2002 to present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder was reopened and denied. The Board also remanded the case to obtain additional information and conduct a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, other specific trauma disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and polysubstance dependence, finding that the evidence did not support a current disability or a causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's right elbow flexion contracture is rated at 30 percent, and his limitation of pronation and supination is granted. The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent but not higher.

A 50 percent rating is granted for PTSD with Depressive Disorder NOS from November 18, 2005. A 100 percent schedular rating is granted for PTSD starting May 20, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder also claimed as memory loss was granted. Other claims were remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a bilateral foot condition and depression are granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified anxiety and depression. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type with depression and granted it. The evidence shows that the condition likely began during service and worsened beyond its normal course.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (depression and sleep apnea) prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and substance use disorders is currently rated at 70 percent prior to April 11, 2016, and from June 1, 2016. The rating agency found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied. The TDIU was granted in April 2016, predicated on service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA mental health examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder had its onset in service or is related to the Veteran's military service.