Depression decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's psychiatric and back disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The initial compensable ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and left shoulder scar, as well as the increased rating for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder with traumatic arthritis, were not granted. The claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records, specifically psychiatric and substance abuse records.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was manifested by symptoms consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from June 29, 2016. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70 percent or higher evaluation.

The Board found insufficient credible supporting evidence of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and concluded that his current psychiatric disorders are not related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran requested to terminate his appeals for increased ratings and TDIU, effective upon receipt of the withdrawal request in June 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, major depression, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic eye disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), COPD, emphysema, a chronic lung disability based on asbestos exposure, residuals of a back injury, IBS, or a psychosis in service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking any claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as he does not have a current hearing disability of sufficient severity to constitute a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to manage his own funds without limitation due to cognitive impairment and alcoholism.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical evidence.

The Board found that the appellant's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hip disorder, AVM, depression, memory loss (claimed as dementia), and right eye disorder. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that his current psychiatric disabilities are causally related to his military service. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

An earlier effective date of July 1, 1995 is granted for service-connected major depressive disorder with PTSD.,The Veteran's freestanding claim seeking an effective date prior to March 15, 2007 for fibromyalgia must be dismissed as a matter of law.