Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 29, 2011. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran’s chronic lumbar disc disease does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted the claim of service connection for depression as secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of his sleep apnea (UARS) claim, as well as other issues related to his service-connected right knee disability. The special monthly compensation issue has also been identified for review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, back disorder, and neuropathy of both lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, effective April 30, 2013. The attorney's fees are also granted based on past due benefits awarded in the May 2014 rating decision.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and depression with mild TBI were granted a 100% schedular rating effective November 29, 2017.,A total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected anxiety disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and depression with mild TBI was granted from October 29, 2009, up to May 3, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his military service and were more likely caused by a stroke in 2001.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and disability ratings in multiple conditions, including right rotator cuff injury, hypertension, GERD, lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left leg, radiculopathy of the right leg, and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma/stressor-related disorder (previously PTSD) is rated at 50 percent from March 1, 2011 to January 24, 2017. The issues of service connection for TBI and sleep apnea are remanded as well as the claims for major depressive disorder secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma/stressor-related disorder (previously PTSD), and ratings in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral muscular strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and posttraumatic synovitis of the left ankle.,The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder is rated at 50 percent from March 1, 2011 to January 24, 2017. The issues of service connection for TBI and sleep apnea are remanded as well as the claims for major depressive disorder secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma/stressor-related disorder (previously PTSD), and ratings in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral muscular strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and posttraumatic synovitis of the left ankle.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Depressive Disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and depressive disorder are granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and depressive disorder is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, including any secondary effects from his service-connected depression or medications, should be remanded for further evaluation and clarification.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, due to service-connected sinusitis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of examination and new evidence provided by the Veteran. The Veteran is advised to cooperate in obtaining updated VA treatment records and attend a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic right trapezius strain with neck pain is being remanded.,His claim for service connection for MDD prior to May 8, 2012 is denied as there was no pending or otherwise unadjudicated claim at that time.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 70 percent prior to November 4, 2014, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40% for lumbar strain and myalgia, denied a prior effective date for depression, and remanded the issues of increased rating for depression and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.