Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is remanded for further development. The issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease and muscle spasms of the cervical spine are no longer before the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and therefore denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at a 70 percent disability level, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision grants this initial rating but does not grant any higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right ankle disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and left knee disability due to new evidence received since the last final decision. The psychiatric disorder claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his left knee disabilities due to procedural issues, including a need for further medical opinions regarding psychiatric conditions and CUE review. The claims are also being remanded for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his PTSD, traumatic amputation of the right middle finger, chronic fatigue syndrome, and various musculoskeletal conditions. The Board has determined that further examination is needed for all these claims due to the lack of recent examinations addressing current severity.

The Veteran's TBI is granted, with the condition being at least as likely as not related to multiple head traumas sustained during active service.,The Veteran's headache condition and acquired psychiatric disorder are both granted, with the conditions being proximately due to his service-connected TBI.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features is rated at 30 percent prior to December 26, 2018, and 70 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.,TDIU was granted effective December 26, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for TDIU, left wrist scars rating, and PTSD with major depressive disorder rating due to conflicting information regarding her employment status and additional evidentiary development is needed.

Service connection is granted for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, both presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in service.,High cholesterol claim is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee condition and PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. Additional evidence is needed, including VA treatment records, and a new examination by an appropriate clinician will be scheduled.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his diagnosed conditions and active service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran is not entitled to Special Monthly Pension (SMP) and remanded this issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to a reduction in disability rating from 100% to 50% for major depressive disorder effective September 1, 2015. The Veteran's condition is currently rated as 50%, and restoration of a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for low back strain, TDIU, and initial MDD rating due to missing supplemental statements of the case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder and obstructive sleep apnea has been granted. The claim for PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating, while the hypertension claim is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but denied service connection for major depressive disorder (already service-connected), right ankle disability, and right knee disability. The right shoulder disability remains under review.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection of seborrheic dermatitis, a mental health disability to include anxiety disorder, depression, and mood disorder, left knee DJD with meniscus tear, and right knee DJD with meniscus tear have been dismissed.

A rating of 30 percent for major depressive disorder from December 2, 2011 to August 9, 2015 is granted. Appeals seeking service connection for various knee and ankle disorders, as well as earlier effective dates for the psychiatric and skin disabilities are dismissed.