Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation of his service-connected depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence showing an increase in severity prior to the April 9, 2010 submission of private treatment records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and manic depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating under the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and opinions from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and depression, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and compression fracture of L1 vertebral body were not filed within one year of separation from active service. The effective dates are being denied as the earliest date on which a claim was received is October 1, 2009.,The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for his service connection for compression fracture of L1 vertebral body and left lower extremity radiculopathy were not filed within one year of separation from active service. The effective dates are being denied as the earliest date on which a claim was received is May 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his records. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, pharyngitis, Eustachian tube dysfunction, a psychiatric disorder, and plantar fasciitis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that new evidence supports a link between his military service and his current condition. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted the application to reopen the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and depression. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to her military service, with stress during boot camp being a possible contributing factor.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and depression, was not shown in service or for a substantial time after service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD resulting from his active duty deployment. Service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is due to his service-connected cervical spinal disability, and thus grants service connection for depression on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, with associated anxiety and alcohol use, resulted in reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for additional development. The claims for service connection for anxiety, depressive disorder, and irregular heartbeat are all pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing records and order a VA examination for his psychiatric condition and lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's recurrent major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right ankle disorders are currently rated at 20 percent each, effective from September 2011. The highest schedular evaluations for these conditions have already been assigned.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, was rated at 30 percent prior to December 4, 2014. From December 4, 2014, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.