Depression decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the following issues: entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to PTSD; entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome; and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to August 28, 2012 is also dismissed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is etiologically related to his service-connected low back disability. The Board has determined that a rating higher than 20 percent for the low back disability prior to April 22, 2014, is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective May 9, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a rating of 30 percent for his service-connected depressive disorder since August 4, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, cognitive impairment, and paranoid delusional disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities met the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU, and the collective evidence on the question of whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have since prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment is relatively evenly balanced.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was granted. However, his request for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since January 4, 2011. For the initial rating period prior to that date, her symptoms have met criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the award of service connection for depressive disorder NOS was set at September 26, 2013.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with sleep disturbance causes significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating from September 2009 until November 11, 2015.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are service connected. The psychiatric disorder, including depression, is not service connected.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating. The effective date for this rating remains March 22, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his tension headaches rated at 50 percent disabling and bilateral flat feet rated at 30 percent disabling, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective July 31, 2013. The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to that date has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including issuing a statement of the case on depression and PTSD, and scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD. Further examination by a VA board-certified psychiatrist is required.