Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with mood disorder, MDD, and TBI prior to October 11, 2021, and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for clarification on whether certain symptoms overlap between PTSD and TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, schizoaffective personality disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder NOS, paranoid schizophrenia, and adjustment disorder with depressive features, is remanded due to the failure to provide a VA examination as per the Board's February 2022 remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record, including lack of nexus opinions based on STRs and continuity of care after service. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his military experiences are also considered.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a new VA examination for the Veteran's low back disability and service connection claims for psychiatric disorders, elbow, wrist, hand, and respiratory disabilities. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his low back disability and service connection for various conditions.

Your service-connected depressive disorder has been rated at 100% since April 16, 2010. As a result, you are already eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the housebound rate due to your disability. Therefore, there is no longer any need to consider whether you are entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), increased ratings for Major Depressive Disorder associated with TBI, and increased ratings for migraine headaches. Additionally, the claim for total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain authorization for VA outpatient treatment records from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans and to schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a stroke, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, sleep walking, and an acquired psychiatric disability to obtain additional medical records from Lung Center of Georgia.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) due to lack of additional disabilities affecting his sight, hearing loss, speech, or upper extremities.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A temporary total rating of 100 percent was granted from June 17, 2008 to September 30, 2008 due to hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a higher initial rating for bronchial asthma, and issues regarding earlier effective dates and combined ratings. The Veteran is advised to submit additional evidence and attend further examinations as needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and his obesity, as well as whether that obesity caused or aggravated his fatal heart conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD). The Board also remanded her claims for service connection for right leg pain and weakness, left leg pain and weakness, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, right hip condition, sinusitis, and lower back condition.,The Veteran's current bilateral leg pain and weakness are related to her service-connected left hip strain. The Veteran's current bilateral ankle conditions may be related to her active military service. Her current acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD) is likely related to her in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted total disability due to individual unemployability. The rating for major depressive disorder remains at 50 percent prior to January 3, 2020, and increases to 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The VA needs to obtain more recent treatment records and schedule a new examination for a determination of the current nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress. The case will be reviewed again to determine if there is a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis is related to his service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. However, the Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for depressive disorder due to inadequate examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a right knee disability, and a right foot disability. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted. The claim for service connection for a cardiac disability remains pending as the Veteran failed to appear for a VA examination.