Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, Depressive Disorder, and Headache Disability due to MST are granted. The claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder as due to MST is established.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of PTSD and depression. The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and depression are at least as likely as not related to his in-service traumatic events, including a motor vehicle accident and basic training grenade incident.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 17, 2012. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms which include irritability and anger in job interviews and social life, strained familial relationships, difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships, and suicidal thoughts.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, but the issues of emphysema and sleep disorder are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral hand disability is denied. Service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities is granted, with the restoration of a 100 percent evaluation for malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the left thigh effective September 1, 2012. The Veteran's paresthesia and degenerative joint disease of the left wrist are each rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of an acquired psychological disorder, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression, as it found no evidence linking these conditions to the appellant's period of active duty for training.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 20, 2017. The rating was granted as his symptoms have caused significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of October 5, 2017, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder has been granted. The claims for a higher rating and TDIU related to his major depressive disorder are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and a higher rating for a more severe disability level is denied.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, DVT of the lower extremities, and PTSD/Depression due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation and insufficient medical evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Veteran's eye disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depressive disorder are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also received a grant for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information regarding flare-ups of his disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and PTSD are granted an initial rating of 100 percent, effective from January 17, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her acquired psychiatric disability and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for new evidence and examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected depressive disorder, with unspecified anxiety disorder and polysubstance disorder in remission prior to May 22, 2018 was denied. From May 22, 2018, a 70 percent disability rating is granted.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU from May 22, 2018 was granted.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, characterized by symptoms such as irritability, anger issues, and strained relationships with family members and co-workers, warrants a 70 percent disability rating since September 14, 2009.