Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. An initial 30 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for PTSD with major depression prior to October 19, 2016. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD from October 19, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression has rendered him unable to follow substantially gainful employment since November 27, 2012. The Board granted an earlier effective date of this TDIU from that date.

The Board has determined that the previous VA examination is inadequate due to the Veteran's testimony regarding continuity of depressive symptoms since service and self-medication. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner or another appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's major depression is currently rated at 50 percent, warranting a higher rating as of June 1, 2014. The left knee disorder remains non-compensable.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, needs further examination and review. The claims file does not contain sufficient information about his other diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim of increased rating for depressive disorder with psychotic features and PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's depression has been rated at 30 percent since January 2014. The Board found the current rating of 30 percent to be appropriate based on symptoms such as depressed mood, anhedonia, and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and their relationship to his military service. A VA examination is needed to diagnose any current mental disabilities and provide an opinion on whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's MDD with mixed features is rated at 70 percent from December 20, 2011, to February 18, 2013, and since May 1, 2013. A TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities prior to July 23, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private psychiatric treatment records and SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations, as his symptoms have worsened since previous evaluations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with the increased evaluation claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board denied service connection for depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's mental disorders are not related to his military service. Service connection was granted for residuals of pectus excavatum.,Service connection was also remanded for hammer toes and bilateral lower extremities condition (to include as secondary to service-connected disability).

The Board denied service connection for depression and anxiety, but granted service connection for residuals of pectus excavatum. The remaining issues (hammer toes and bilateral lower extremities condition) are remanded.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's residuals of pectus excavatum due to aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his major depressive disorder, right knee disability (secondary to left knee disability), bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is being examined further by a mental health care provider.