Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder NOS, have been rated at a 50 percent disability rating since June 9, 2015.

The Board granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities and assigned an effective date of December 9, 2005. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 25, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted this rating as of June 13, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder of depressive disorder, as secondary to the service-connected migraine headaches and hypertension, for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify stressors and service connection, including obtaining records of treatment and personnel records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders are being evaluated in light of verified stressors during active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are due to in-service military sexual trauma and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete records and further development is needed, including verification of service dates and obtaining service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at November 5, 2009. The Veteran's depressive disorder was found to be secondary to his left hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including his lumbar spine disorder) precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 26, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are properly adjudicated, including the need for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his own willful misconduct, and thus service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral knee disability did not undergo a permanent worsening during service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including diagnoses of panic disorder with agoraphobia and PTSD. The decision finds that there is a medical link between the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, and for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) is remanded due to the need for further development regarding the alleged herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted from May 18, 2011.,The Veteran also meets criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pinguecula is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, diagnosed as a depressive disorder, is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid disability, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the right lower extremity is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the left lower extremity is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for the residuals of bronchopneumonia is on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for defective vision is on appeal.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder, along with other diagnosed conditions, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to May 21, 2009. The symptoms included nightmares, depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, memory loss, panic attacks, suicidal and homicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, difficulty concentrating, diminished interest in activities, intrusive thoughts, feelings of detachment, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and difficulty interacting with others.

The Veteran's depression has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.