Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. The Board denied an extraschedular rating and granted a TDIU from September 7, 2018 due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury and depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, to include as secondary to PTSD should be remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and whether withholding compensation benefits to recoup disability severance pay was proper. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and mood disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee conditions and associated depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding his alcohol abuse disorder and whether it is due to or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder were granted a 70% rating effective April 15, 2016. The left shoulder disability was granted an increased rating to 40%. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted.

The Veteran's neurocognitive and depressive disorders have been rated at 30 percent since March 14, 2017 to June 19, 2018. The symptoms during this period did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically his unspecified depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

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

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder were found to be manifested by symptoms comparable to a 70 percent disability rating, warranting an increased rating from the date of claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychological disorder other than personality disorder is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service stressors including a personal assault during field training exercises.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with moderate anxiety and depression, and PTSD. The decision is based on the Veteran's combat experiences during his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date earlier than February 3, 2018 for the award of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder. The decision stated that there was no basis for such a date due to the laws and regulations regarding reopening claims based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and ADHD. The case is being returned to the RO for a thorough review of the claims file, with particular attention given to VA treatment records and any updated service, private, or VA medical records.

Service connection for Persistent Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is granted.,Service connection for a skin condition other than PFB, including Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis, is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to November 25, 2009 was denied as the evidence did not show she was unable to obtain gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU from May 1, 2010 under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is remanded for further consideration of all available medical evidence.