Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability, increased rating for left knee disability, and initial rating for depressive disorder prior to September 12, 2014 were denied. The claim for TDIU was not addressed as it is a component of the increased rating claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depression and schizoaffective disorder. The March 2018 medical opinion established that the Veteran's pre-existing mental health condition was aggravated by his active duty service beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety was found to be manifested by mild or transient symptoms, including insomnia, which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The current evaluation is 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as there is credible supporting evidence of a personal assault in-service and no clear and convincing evidence to contradict it. The Veteran's personality changes post-service are attributed to this alleged in-service stressor.

The Veteran claims service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dissociative disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism caused or aggravated his depressive disorder, and thus grants the claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period stemming from his January 30, 2008 claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV criteria and finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder NOS, and dysthymic disorder, are etiologically related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC payable at the housebound rate prior to May 3, 2008 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for this benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a joint condition was previously denied, but new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (unspecified depressive disorder). The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% since June 3, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability ratings are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the appellant's major depressive disorder, previously diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 27, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and posttraumatic headaches are denied. The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits was denied as he is already receiving a higher benefit (special monthly compensation) on account of the need for regular aid and attendance. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the nature of his current diagnoses and the etiology of those diagnoses. The Veteran has not provided verified in-service stressors supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are found to be due to herbicide agent exposure, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Board finds that a new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been granted. His herpes simplex and dermatitis have also been rated at the 10% level.

The Board determined that the December 1999 rating decision assigning a single 10 percent rating for bilateral knee disorder was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.,Service connection is granted for an eye disorder (dry eyes).