Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 50 percent since May 1, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating is granted for PTSD, but the issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and left leg disability, to include as secondary to a service-connected low back disability, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his active service. The depressive disorder is also found to be secondary to his service-connected back and knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, finding that her conditions were aggravated by military service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Depression and Anxiety due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for major depressive disorder with adjustment disorder with depressed mood was denied as the severity, frequency, and duration of his psychiatric symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was also denied because the disability manifested as moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not ensuring compliance with a previous remand order, specifically regarding the need for a VA medical opinion on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service or superimposed on his nonservice-connected personality disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a respiratory condition (emphysema), and reopening service connection claims for various conditions. Additional development is required to obtain SSA records and update the attorney's mailing address.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding missing medical records, specifically group therapy sessions. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his 70% rating for panic disorder and major depressive disorder is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate retrospective opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's major depressive disorder prior to May 6, 2015. The Veteran will need a new examination and an updated rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, prostate disorder, skin cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service. The claims are being returned for further development including obtaining VA treatment records from a specific time period and scheduling additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as caused by and aggravated by service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The decision is based on the Veteran's statements indicating that his MDD symptoms are exacerbated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board also ordered a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted service connection. The issue of service connection for a prostate disability is remanded due to lack of in-service record.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for major depressive disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to outstanding treatment records not currently in the file. The effective date of service connection remains October 19, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee conditions, transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals, gastrointestinal symptoms, voiding dysfunction, thalamic pain syndrome of the left side, and acquired psychiatric disorder as a stroke residual, have been denied.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent based on flexion limitation. The Veteran's transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals with difficulty chewing and swallowing are rated at 10 percent. Gastrointestinal symptoms with chronic constipation as a stroke residual have been rated noncompensable prior to April 21, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding burn residuals to right shoulder, bilateral hands, and bilateral arms has been dismissed. The issues of PTSD, an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD (depressive disorder NOS), and TDIU are being remanded for further evaluation.