Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence collection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip and shoulder injuries have been granted. The claim for service connection for a left ankle injury has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for General Anxiety Disorder with Persistent Depressive Disorder and Lumbar Sprain with Degenerative Disc Disease were granted effective December 27, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to September 9, 2021. The current rating of 50 percent is denied as the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to improper handling of his appeal in the legacy system.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for neck scars, bilateral metatarsalgia with hallux valgus, bilateral pes planus with callus formation, and migraine headaches have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the relevant time periods.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, MDD, and tinnitus have been granted. The hearing loss claim is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board found that the original grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to willful misconduct, thus severing service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for GERD was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a 30 percent disability rating.,Service connection for stomach disability, to include as secondary to service-connected GERD, was also denied. The Board found that there was no evidence showing that the Veteran's stomach disability had its onset during active duty service or was caused by his service-connected GERD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination in determining whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous Board Remands. A new examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's MDD is now rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2016. His hyperhidrosis remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected stroke residuals. He is also granted financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to permanent loss of use of the left hand.

The appeal for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed. The case of major depressive disorder is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with cognitive disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety has been reopened. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and outstanding service records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and cognitive disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's NOD was timely filed and has remanded several issues for further development. The main issues are related to increased ratings for herniated disc at L4-L5 with right lower extremity radiculopathy, status-post fracture of the pubic ramus, left, major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, and TDIU.