Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's MDD and PTSD are currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for evaluating psychiatric disabilities. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder, is related to an inservice sexual assault. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion, as well as additional Social Security Administration records. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a nasal septoplasty and granted service connection for arthritis of both knees, as well as weight gain. The acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and PTSD) is not considered in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is rated at 50 percent, which has been in effect since March 1999. The Board found that the manifestations of his service-connected psychiatric disorders approximate near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, mild memory loss, irritability, sleep impairment, nightmares, difficulty understanding complex commands, restricted affect, depressed mood, anxiety, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living. This results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD, including alcohol dependence, is rated at 70 percent disabling since July 9, 2014. The claim for service connection for drug usage secondary to PTSD has not been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to evidence of potentially worsening PTSD symptoms, and a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound due to her service-connected depressive disorder and cervical spine disability, as she meets the statutory criteria for a single disability rated at 100% disabling. However, she does not meet the requirement of having additional disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more when combined.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service dates and obtaining VA and private treatment records. A supplemental examination is also required to address the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric condition and an SOC on the issue of initial rating in excess of 30 percent for lung cancer associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's PFB is also found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of February 10, 2006. This followed his timely submission of a statement in support of claim on November 4, 2008, which the RO accepted as a petition to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his mental incapacity, as evidenced by multiple hospitalizations and inability to manage personal finances.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression, is found to be the result of witnessing a military sexual trauma. The residuals of fractured third finger with arthritis of the right hand are also found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to her military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The Veteran's daughter died during his active duty, which may be related to the current mental health issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is at least as likely as not related to her service, including her in-service sexual assault and giving up a child for adoption. The Board also found that her depression was aggravated by her service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is related to his military service. The VA will conduct a medical examination and provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The decision also remands the issues of service connection for pulmonary nodules.