Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his PTSD with a not otherwise specified depressive disorder and insomnia, as well as the issue of TDIU. Additional VA treatment records are needed, and a VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled to assess the impact on employment.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU is warranted based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his headaches and depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent since July 2012, and the Board found no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating for the period prior to January 28, 2016. For the period beginning January 28, 2016, the Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability is denied. The evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder is denied. The medical evidence does not support the presence of occupational and social impairment as contemplated by the 70% rating criteria.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted service connection. The appeals for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder control disability, sleep apnea, and the reopening of claims for neuropathy and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. The claims for increased ratings and SMC are remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 19, 2010 for the award of service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, previously diagnosed as PTSD, has been granted a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The decision is based on his occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder and right hip disorder, right ear hearing loss, sciatica, cervical spine disability, residuals of a right foot injury, depressive disorder, and left arm disability. The issues are secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) with Anxious Distress, is rated at 70 percent effective from March 3, 2016. The appeal for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee Baker's cyst, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and GAD) due to lack of current disability or evidence linking the conditions to service. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated private treatment records, VA examinations, and further analysis of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted. The rating for his spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine remains at 20 percent, but he is granted a separate rating for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent. The Veteran was granted a TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD was reopened due to new evidence, and the Board has now granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, and her unspecified depressive disorder remains at a 30 percent rating. The appeal for TDIU is remanded.

Service connection granted for major depressive disorder with anxious distress features and recurrent headaches.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity and low back conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for bilateral knee pain, but denied for other conditions including headache, depression, sciatic radiculopathy, left and right elbow strain, left and right wrist strain, right ankle strain, and hypertension.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to November 3, 2016 and granted a 100 percent rating from that date. The issue of service connection for a right knee disability secondary to the left knee chondromalacia patella is remanded.