Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2015. Effective May 10, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent.,Effective March 26, 2015, but no earlier, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of an increased rating for depressive disorder and entitlement to TDIU are also being addressed.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD due to new evidence. However, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete disability ratings and the need for VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for SMP is also pending.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted with an effective date of April 12, 2011. The issue of a 10% evaluation for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities is dismissed as the Veteran has been assigned at least one compensable rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional corroborating evidence of her in-service stressor, such as records from rape crisis counseling during active duty service. She also needs a VA examination to confirm her diagnoses and determine if they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for McArdle’s disease and TDIU due to service-connected disability. The VA examination is needed to address the specific requirements necessary for a higher rating for McArdle’s disease, including symptoms such as sleep disturbances, paresthesias, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, or Raynaud's like symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and right ear tinnitus were granted. The claim for chronic prostatitis was remanded, as well as the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depression (including anxiety and PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, has been denied as there is no verified in-service stressor related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service, and the Board finds that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left foot disability and depression, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions began during or are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left leg disorder. Additional evidence is needed from SSA and VA records, and an addendum opinion is required regarding whether the Veteran’s left leg disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected vertigo and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent effective from October 15, 2014. Prior to this date, the rating was granted at a higher level (30%).

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, wrist pain, bilateral hearing loss, paresthesias of the left fingers, a psychiatric disorder (to include depression), hand pain, and knee pain. The Veteran is not eligible for compensation benefits for any disabilities that began in or are etiologically related to his second period of active service from December 2001 through August 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and arranging a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's major depression is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess its severity.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are not adequate for adjudication of the service connection claims, particularly regarding the etiology of the diagnosed conditions. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded two issues: the initial rating for degenerative lumbar disc disease and the TDIU claim. The Veteran's treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and vocational rehabilitation records are needed to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to new evidence being added to his file, including VA treatment records. The claims include service connection for various conditions related to scleroderma and other disabilities.