Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with PTSD symptoms are rated at a maximum of 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision.,The Veteran's left ankle collateral ligament sprain with DJD is not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development. The Board found that the earliest date of claim was July 22, 2013, for PTSD with a major depressive disorder, and April 16, 2015, for lost left hip extension and flexion.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse disorder, are rated at 100% from September 30, 2010 to July 14, 2012. Effective July 15, 2012, the rating is reduced to 70%. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders have resulted in total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, anxiety (acquired psychiatric disability), right ear hearing loss, blurred vision, anal condition, and hypertension have been granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The service connection claims are reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD during the appeal period and that any depression is not related to service.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU consideration and his service-connected disabilities prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder(s). The examiner must determine if any current psychiatric condition, including depression, is related to the Veteran’s in-service stressors.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and substance use disorder, in full sustained remission.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for clarification of diagnostic criteria and further examination regarding PTSD and depression diagnoses.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for an unspecified depressive disorder before December 8, 2016 is granted at a 50 percent level. The appeal regarding the rating after that date is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) due to missing service treatment records. The VA needs to make additional requests to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty or any incidents therein, including reports of being beaten and sexually abused by his sergeant.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected depressive disorder and anxiety disorder has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and procedural issues. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess his psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.

The Veteran's depression has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted due to his symptoms being productive of occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, as well as his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to a psychiatric disability have all been denied.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various psychiatric disorders, hypertension, substance abuse, Meniere’s disease, hearing loss, impotence, and special monthly compensation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the baseline level of severity of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions prior to their aggravation by service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection is being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 13, 2020, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The case is REMANDED for further development and adjudication, including consideration of a TDIU claim.