Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are rated at a 70 percent evaluation since March 18, 2017, reflecting severe symptomatology resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder have been rated, but his OSA remains unaddressed.,His service-connected disabilities are causing him to be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits due to his not having a serious employment handicap and his eligibility period ending on August 11, 2008.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is related to an in-service assault. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The case is returned to the VA examiner who completed the November 2017 report for issuance of an addendum medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's pre-service psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and were not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment from December 7, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and severe depression was reopened, and the appeal is granted. The case is remanded to obtain verification of stressors and conduct a VA examination.

A 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder (MDD) is granted from August 8, 1997.,Entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from June 29, 2010.

The Veteran's right rotator cuff injury, limitation of motion of the right knee, and left ankle sprain are all granted service connection. The psychiatric disorder is denied service connection, but the claim for a left shoulder condition is not addressed as it lacks current disability evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, and a left leg disability (sciatica). The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and tension headaches are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 19, 2019. The Board has granted a TDIU rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD, GAD, and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from June 28, 2015 to February 10, 2016.,From February 10, 2016 to March 25, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD, GAD, and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and Depressive Disorder. The case is now with the RO to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depression with generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his bilateral foot condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The VA is required to provide a VA examination and opinion in these cases.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 9, 2008 for the grant of a 50 percent rating for somatic disorder with tension headaches with PTSD and depressive disorder is denied. The Board also remanded two issues related to her service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's MDD and PTSD have been rated at 70% since May 29, 2018. The appeal is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than June 19, 2015 for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder, increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Fibromyalgia, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.