Depression decisions — 2018

For the period prior to August 24, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent and denied a higher rating.,For the period from August 24, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and evaluation, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The appeal for an increased rating and TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claims for balance problems, increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain and depressive disorder, and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for cervical foraminal stenosis is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD.

The Veteran's rating for panic disorder with agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder not otherwise specified was restored to 70 percent from April 10, 2013 to August 29, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service-connected, with the exception of a remanded issue regarding his left toe disability. The claims for increased ratings on right knee disabilities remain pending.

The Veteran's social anxiety disorder with insomnia and depression has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective October 24, 2013. The Board also found that the Veteran’s service-connected eye disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for major depressive disorder was denied prior to April 10, 2014. A rating of 70 percent but not higher was granted beginning on that date. The ratings for back disability and left foot Achilles tendonitis were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disability and compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to eye surgery, as they need additional opinions on whether there is a secondary relationship between the disabilities and the service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further examination is required.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted at a 70% rating effective April 25, 2017. The remaining issues of increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and/or PTSD, but denied service connection for colon cancer. The effective date of the nonservice-connected pension award is set at March 26, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his pinched nerve in the neck, as well as for increased ratings and TDIU. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations and provide additional evidence addressing the combined impact of service-connected disabilities on work capacity.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to cervical spine, low back, left hip, and psychiatric disabilities are inadequate for decision-making purposes. The Veteran must be provided with addendum opinions addressing whether his current conditions are secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are being reviewed due to lack of VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hands and knees have been denied. His claim for major depressive disorder secondary to his service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted, but he is still seeking an increased rating for his chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and major depression, recurrent, with anxiety features as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.