Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD (MST), is rated at 70 percent effective from May 20, 2015. The rating is granted subject to the laws and regulations governing the assignment of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 100 percent disability rating. The issue of TDIU is dismissed as the Veteran is already receiving a 100 percent schedular evaluation for her major depressive disorder. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding low back and bilateral hip arthritis due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's vertigo is rated at 10 percent, with the possibility of a higher rating if he experiences dizziness and occasional staggering.

The Board has denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, but granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's major depression is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied, and a 10 percent rating but no more for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as of January 17, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety disorder and depression were rated at 100% from July 30, 1981 to September 30, 1983. From October 1, 1983 to July 31, 1988, the Veteran's disability warranted a rating of 70%. The Board found that the Veteran was not entitled to a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depression disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder, was granted a 70 percent rating prior to November 7, 2017. From that date, the claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and insufficient evidence to establish a disease or injury in service related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify in-service stressors related to PTSD and to determine if a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is linked to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service symptoms and current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, back disability, bilateral pes planus, bilateral foot nerve damage, bilateral plantar fasciitis of both feet, and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and moderate anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and SMC were denied. The RO granted service connection for depressive disorder, GERD, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension with specific effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an independent medical expert opinion regarding whether the Veteran's MRSA infection was caused by VA negligence or unforeseeable event, and if so, addressing all residual disabilities associated with the MRSA infection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his incarceration, requiring an audiological and psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his tinnitus and mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to comply with remand directives. A new VA examination is required to determine if any acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea versicolor and onychomycosis were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service. The claim for MDD was granted due to its relationship with service-connected hypertension and erectile dysfunction.,The claims for tension headaches, GERD, and OSA were all granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.