Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during her military service.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities from October 1, 2010 to June 24, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for bilateral hearing loss or PTSD with major depressive disorder.,An effective date prior to September 25, 2007 for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, a neck condition, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his military service, the neck condition is presumed due to head trauma during service, and the TBI was caused by an incident in 1990.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 2, 2016. Therefore, the Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Retirement based on Unemployability (TDIU) prior to that date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, manic depression, and bipolar disorder due to new and material evidence. The claim is now remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and headaches, both related to the Veteran's active service. The decision is based on secondary service connection as the disorders are linked to a pre-existing condition (depression).

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychotic disorder and depression associated with his service-connected TBI and migraines is remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if his migraines have caused or aggravated his psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and denied the Veteran's request for an increased rating for his major depressive disorder. The Veteran's right knee condition was not found to be related to service, and his major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, currently characterized as social anxiety disorder with recurrent major depressive disorder. The effective date for the grant of a 70 percent rating is fixed based on factual findings and cannot be earlier than October 26, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 20, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxiety and mood swings due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation regarding his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder are granted a 50 percent rating prior to May 19, 2010. The heart disability claim is denied. Gastritis is granted with a 50 percent rating. Hydronephrosis remains at a 10 percent rating. Bilateral orchitis and epididymitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS is rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The Board has also remanded several other issues including service connection for sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of major depressive disorder was received on June 19, 2013. The Board has granted an effective date of June 19, 2013, based on the Veteran's credible account and evidence that his original claim was submitted in June 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cognitive and/or acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current bipolar disorder, type II, to disease or injury in service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support other diagnoses such as major depression/depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or ADHD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea. Diabetes mellitus is now considered service-connected as secondary to herbicide exposure. The psychiatric claim has also been reopened.