Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased evaluations for service-connected tension headaches and a traumatic brain injury, as well as an earlier effective date for the 100 percent evaluation for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent from June 12, 1985, to March 16, 2011, for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression) was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating during this period.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The RO implemented this decision by awarding benefits to the Veteran. However, the appellant is denied attorney fees based on past due benefits granted in the August 2016 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and schizoaffective disorder, as due to military sexual trauma during active service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a compensable initial rating of 10% for the period from April 19, 2010 through July 9, 2010.,The Veteran's hypertension prior to April 19, 2010 and after July 9, 2010 is denied a compensable initial rating.,The Veteran's major depression disorder is denied an increased rating in excess of 70%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and whether it is related to his service, as well as any other acquired psychiatric disorders. The examiner will also need to confirm the Veteran's reported in-service stressor.

The Board has denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran’s PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric condition related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service personal assault and the relationship between current psychiatric disorders and service. The Veteran needs to provide additional records from his service treatment records, particularly those from Goodfellow Air Force Base Clinic.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination for service connection of PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The decision is based on inadequate examination and opinion regarding the diagnosis of PTSD and a need for further evidence from private providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his disabilities, particularly those related to service. The claims are being returned to the RO for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service connection for scar tissue entrapment of the left ulnar nerve has been granted. However, his claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder with anxiety (previously diagnosed as a sleep disorder) prior to July 1, 2013, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, remains denied.

The Veteran's appeals for hepatitis C, type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and major depressive disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran requested a withdrawal of these appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of a diagnosed condition related to service. For TDIU, the Veteran's education and work experience were considered, but his service-connected disabilities alone did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for PTSD, depression, and flatfeet was granted. The claim for PTSD is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has previously remanded this claim due to its inextricability with other claims. Additional development is needed before the SMC for aid and attendance or housebound status can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 30 percent effective April 3, 2008. The rating was increased to 70 percent effective November 7, 2014.