Depression Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder, but denied service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for a right arm disorder, neck disorder, and back disorder. The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) were also denied as secondary to the back disorder.,Service records did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is linked to his current sleep apnea, which the Board finds secondary to his service-connected condition. The Veteran's COPD status post bilateral pneumothorax has been rated at 30% since March 2011.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, as there was no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression, are being remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his depressive disorder from December 26, 2010 to December 17, 2016 was denied by the Board. The Veteran is currently rated at 50 percent for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm. Service connection for PTSD has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete records, including SSA disability benefits records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are also being examined to determine their current severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of regular aid and attendance or permanent household status.

The Veteran's migraines have been rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum possible rating for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded it for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. The Veteran needs to provide verification for a reported in-service stressor involving his shipmate's death, and he should be scheduled for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depressive Disorder, is not related to his service-connected lumbar paravertebral myositis and fracture of both bones of the left forearm with arthritis. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

Your original claims for PTSD and Depressive Disorder have been denied, but your case has been resolved as the RO granted service connection for an unspecified personality disorder (which was originally claimed as PTSD and Depressive Disorder). As a result, the issues of PTSD and Depressive Disorder are no longer in controversy.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran and remands it for further development, including verifying stressor events and obtaining a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected, while hyperglycemia and cervical spine disability are denied. Diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea were not diagnosed during the appeal period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and panic disorder, is related to and aggravated by service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and related conditions are currently rated at 70 percent, but a higher rating is sought. The Board has ordered remand for further examination to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's bipolar affective disorder, mixed, was previously rated at 50% prior to March 25, 2015. Since then, it has been rated at 70%. The Board found the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD results in occupational and social impairment, but not to the degree that would warrant a higher disability rating. The current evaluation of 30 percent is appropriate.