Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased rating of major depressive disorder and service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing injury or chronic condition during service. The most recent VA examination did not find clear and unmistakable evidence of a preexisting condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his service connection claims, including those related to PTSD, bilateral foot disorder, and skin disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his conditions preclude such employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during active service and is related to in-service symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, along with depression and social phobia, is service-connected. The conditions are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD has been withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including RLS, COPD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, low back disability, and hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary medical records and conduct appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of coronary artery disease and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, dizzy spells, bad eyesight and memory loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 26, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms warrant this rating as they cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is aggravated by his service-connected erectile dysfunction, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's primary insomnia disability is rated at 50 percent from December 16, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran has a sleep apnea disability etiologically related to his service-connected primary insomnia.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under the rating criteria. The Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a service connection for PTSD based on an in-service stressor. However, the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service and need further examination to determine if they initially manifested during active duty or are otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, major depressive disorder, cluster B traits, and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the Veteran not appearing at his scheduled hearing. He provided a valid reason for missing the hearing.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression results in some social impairment, but not occupational impairment. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted.