Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for his anxiety disorder and depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to April 19, 2011, or from April 19, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent, effective May 16, 2014. Prior to this date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his scar/nerve entrapment and service connection for major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the scar/nerve entrapment, as it was rated at 10 percent under DC 8530 due to mild incomplete paralysis of the ilio-inguinal nerve. Service connection for major depressive disorder was granted but with no effective date provided.

Effective February 22, 2007, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing and providing the Veteran with a statement of the case regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether MDD was incurred in service. The issue of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder remains pending and will be addressed upon verification of a stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) are not related to service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment, as evidenced by his ability to maintain a relationship with his mother and roommate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA medical opinion to clarify whether his sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders (including panic disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board found no evidence of a current PTSD diagnosis and determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders are not related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to afford the Veteran a requested hearing, and the appeal is now pending for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU as there was no evidence of a diagnosis or etiology related to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder and whether it is related to his service. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and new evidence is needed for a determination on the Veteran's claims.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disability during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current depression is not linked to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The VA examiner concluded that there is less than 50% probability that the Veteran's current depressive disorder is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will handle any further development as required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a major depressive disorder, is related to his active military service and grants the claim for service connection.