Depression decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for pain disorder and service connection for depression were denied. The Veteran is already service connected for a pain disorder, which includes symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and history of alcohol abuse is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. The evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, was found to warrant a 70 percent rating since May 15, 2012. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for higher ratings and service connection claims. The Board found that the evidence did not support reopening of her previously denied claims for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome or other intestinal condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder, hiatal hernia, acid reflux or other gastrointestinal condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's thyroid disability, which has evolved from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that there is no evidence of tachycardia, tremor, and increased pulse or blood pressure at any point during the period on appeal. Constipation was not reported by the Veteran and her reports are inconsistent with other medical records. There is also no evidence of psychiatric symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than the service-connected dysthymia, to include PTSD, has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any other psychiatric condition that could be considered service connected.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder. The case has been remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied the Veteran's claims for PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and memory disorder. The effective date for SMC benefits remains May 26, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to address the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and a low back disability. The case will be returned to the Board for readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA mental disorders examination and obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's mood disorder, including depressive and hypomanic symptoms, has been rated at 30 percent prior to December 14, 2012. Since then, the rating has increased to 50 percent on and after that date.

The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional development of the appellant's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying her current address. The appeal is currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, NOS, was granted a 50 percent disability rating effective January 15, 2013. The claim for TDIU prior to this date remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability and depression have not met the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.