Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, sciatic radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as low back condition), scars, degenerative joint disease of both knees, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, hypertension, tinnitus, bilateral nasal pinquecula with dry eyes, hernia, ear pain, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities alone are at least in equipoise as to whether he is unable to obtain or maintain such employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on current symptoms and not solely on a previous diagnosis in VA records.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and alcohol dependence as secondary to the service-connected PTSD, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining evidence to corroborate the in-service assault event and providing notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A 30 percent rating was granted effective August 2, 2007. A 70 percent rating was granted effective July 12, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants at least a 50 percent rating throughout, reflecting significant symptoms including passive suicidal thoughts and social isolation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing VA treatment records and for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the origins of his bilateral pes planus, as well as increased ratings for PTSD with a major depressive disorder and hand tremors. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder. Service connection was also granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his employment status and obtain updated VA outpatient records, as well as for VA examinations of his service-connected major depressive disorder and Scheuermann's thoracic kyphosis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to her service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for any other acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, but the claim for a separate left shoulder disability and psychiatric disorder remains pending.,The Veteran has submitted evidence that suggests his current disabilities may be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder. The case is remanded due to the inextricability of his claim for a character of discharge upgrade for VA purposes.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and granted service connection for a psychiatric disability (depressive disorder). The Veteran's right knee disorder is not considered to be related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder not otherwise specified, is service-connected. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of bilateral flat feet, but there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology dating back to service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss cannot be established due to lack of medical evidence.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disability during service or within one year after discharge, and the most probative medical opinion indicated that the Veteran's schizophrenia is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression disorder and schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD was granted by the AMC, and thus there remains no justiciable case or controversy before the Board on this issue. The claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's major depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation prior to May 3, 2012. The appeal for reopening the diabetes mellitus claim is addressed separately.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience, effective from July 11, 2013.