Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and bilateral pes planus are both rated at their current levels, with the appeals for increased ratings denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, prostate problems, and depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to September 29, 2016 is denied.,The Veteran was awarded a disability rating of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease effective August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to psychiatric symptomatology prior to October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 7, 2013 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia, pleural scarring in lungs and bacterial lung infection has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of pleural scarring or a relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory condition and his in-service pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to his service, including as a result of high-stress environment due to duties as a radioman. The matter will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, has been granted. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues except bilateral foot and toenail fungus is dismissed. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including bipolar disorder. The decision was based on new and material evidence that reopened his original claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with mild major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's in-service left eye injury and his current symptoms. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if any of his claimed conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran was also granted TDIU prior to April 28, 2010.

The Board has denied all service connection claims except for the reopening of a claim for depression, which was granted. The remaining claims were either not reopened or denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and unobtained SSA disability benefits records. The appellant's claims for these records are being sent back to the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was insane at the time of his offenses in November 1976, which interfered with the peace of society. Therefore, the character of discharge for his Marine Corps service is not a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU on a schedular basis prior to March 15, 2010 was denied. The case is remanded for referral to the VA Director of Compensation Service for consideration of whether the Veteran should be granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depressive Disorder and Right Thumb Injury Residuals with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examinations and a need for additional evidence. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being evaluated further.

The Veteran's death by suicide is being remanded for further medical opinions to determine if any psychiatric disorders had their onset during active service or are otherwise related to service, and whether the death is proximately due to a diagnosed disorder.