Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

An earlier effective date of October 26, 2011 is awarded for a 10 percent disability rating for thyroidectomy scar. Service connection for psychiatric disorder (depression) is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case will be reviewed with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, associated with prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy, is granted a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following gainful employment, warranting a TDIU. The claims for increased evaluations of his shoulder and ankle disabilities are remanded due to the lack of recent medical examinations. Service connection for tinnitus, arthritis of the right ankle, left knee, and lower back is also remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to clarify the current diagnoses and assess the etiology of the Veteran's conditions, particularly regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy and CVA.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is REMANDED for further development and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, memory problems, mood disorders, psychosis, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline intellectual functioning, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection is not granted as there is no credible supporting evidence that any in-service stressor occurred or was related to his service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether a personal assault occurred in service and the relationship between the prostate examination in service and current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and clarification of service records. The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 70 percent from October 19, 2018. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bi-polar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, had its onset during service and is related to service. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for major depressive disorder was denied with a 70% rating from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012 and a 50% rating thereafter.,For the period from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012, the Veteran's major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 28, 2010 for the award of service connection for depressive disorder is denied due to the lack of a formal or informal claim filed before that date.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee condition, tinnitus, and depressive disorder as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for depression has been reopened.,Claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for right upper extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome, right lower extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy have all been dismissed as freestanding claims. The original decisions granting these conditions were final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to March 31, 2014, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to March 31, 2014, for the grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to February 17, 2013, for the grant of service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the initial PTSD VA examination and a need for further medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and/or specific phobia, flying.