Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied, and the TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence that he could not work due to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 19, 2015. From July 18, 2013 to May 19, 2015, a higher rating for PTSD was denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional medical records need to be obtained, including from SSA and private providers like Clovis Counseling and a Roswell psychologist. A new VA examination is needed to address whether PTSD was aggravated by service or caused by in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD, with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression with psychotic symptoms are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various disabilities and a rating for lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are pending resolution.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder. The current VA examination was deemed inadequate due to its reliance on the absence of evidence after separation.

The Veteran's service-connected circadian rhythm sleep wake disorder with delayed sleep phase (CRSWD) and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression are not productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency. The Veteran is currently rated at 50% for these conditions, effective July 25, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is granted service connection. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service. Erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed major depressive disorder, and requested an opinion from a VA psychologist or psychiatrist on its etiology.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, anxiety, personality disorder, PTSD, and insomnia, is granted as secondary to service-connected TMD with bruxism, BPPV, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder to 30 percent effective from February 1, 2019 was proper. However, the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected depression is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a gastrointestinal disability due to outstanding evidence and further development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 30, 2011 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder has been denied. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 30, 2011 is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as there was no current diagnosis of such disorders. The new evidence submitted did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected left shoulder rotator cuff tear with labral tear. The Veteran's claims will be further developed to attempt to verify his reported stressors and provide him with VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran’s service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran is asked to provide a new examination or addendum opinion that considers his statements of continuity of symptoms and the testimony from his sister.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left foot residuals of cold injury, right foot residuals of cold injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder with severe depression. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right wrist and thumb disabilities. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.