Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran sought TDIU based on his service-connected low back disability and depression. The September 1981 rating decision denied the claim, finding that the objective findings did not warrant an increase in the 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and that the schedular requirements for a TDIU were not met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of his left foot disability, and scheduling another VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current acquired psychiatric condition was incurred in or related to his active duty military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be as likely as not related to his military service. The Board also finds that the Veteran has depression secondary to PTSD, which may be considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD with depression is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for service-connected psychiatric disability (dysthymia and major depression) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from March and April 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examination reports to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine his eligibility for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his anxiety disorder and depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to April 19, 2011, or from April 19, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent, effective May 16, 2014. Prior to this date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his scar/nerve entrapment and service connection for major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the scar/nerve entrapment, as it was rated at 10 percent under DC 8530 due to mild incomplete paralysis of the ilio-inguinal nerve. Service connection for major depressive disorder was granted but with no effective date provided.

Effective February 22, 2007, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing and providing the Veteran with a statement of the case regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether MDD was incurred in service. The issue of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder remains pending and will be addressed upon verification of a stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) are not related to service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment, as evidenced by his ability to maintain a relationship with his mother and roommate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA medical opinion to clarify whether his sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders (including panic disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.