Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeal did not affect the finality of prior decisions.

The Veteran's depression and coronary artery disease have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent and 60 percent, respectively. The current effective dates are not provided as the claims were initially filed in 2010.

The Veteran's depression was granted a 50 percent disability rating, effective April 16, 2009. The issues of service connection for neuropathy and TDIU prior to January 3, 2013 were also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to his service, specifically the death of his brother during active duty. The claims for service connection are therefore granted.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected PTSD for the period prior to November 19, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and service connection was granted, with a separate rating of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The claims for migraines, respiratory condition, psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder condition are pending further development.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records, a need for VA examination, and other necessary development. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The current rating of 30 percent prior to July 6, 2015 and 70 percent thereafter remains in effect until further notice.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment from November 5, 2004 to August 9, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected Graves' disease is not considered a permanent and total disability, so his claim for a permanent 100 percent evaluation is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol and polysubstance abuse in remission, and personality disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD features has been found to cause occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, are not related to her active duty service. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish a link between her current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board will also assess whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 10 percent, and her scar of the abdomen is not compensable. The Board found that her current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since March 17, 2009. He is currently rated at 50 percent for this condition.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent since March 17, 2009. The Veteran has had very frequent completely prostrating attacks of migraines with severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating prior to May 1, 2007.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder(s) and whether it is at least as likely as not related to service, including verified combat experiences. The case will be remanded for these actions.