Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to March 11, 2010.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further evaluation, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and a medical opinion on the relationship between his sleep apnea and service-connected PTSD with MDD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased disability ratings for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, as well as an effective date for a low back disability rating. The Board dismissed these claims due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with a previous remand directive. Additional development is needed, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of all diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety-depressive disorder, as there was no evidence of a direct in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment, so the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for hearing loss, migraines, and TBI were denied. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use and unspecified depressive disorder was also denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 27, 2018 for the grant of service connection for migraines was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee conditions and mental health issues, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to July 2, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, and right knee scars are pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and there are no manifestations that would warrant a higher evaluation.,There is no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The Veteran does not have a disability for which he can receive service connection.,Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric disability (depression).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and incomplete medical records, requiring further evaluation of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's MDD with GAD is rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2017. The claim for a higher rating and TDIU was denied.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran regarding his employment and training history. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting an examination of the service-connected PCS.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, depressive disorder as secondary to bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral eye disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service combat experience and his current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and major depressive disorder have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at the 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder since April 6, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were rated at 50% prior to September 5, 2018. Effective September 5, 2018, the rating was increased to 70%. The increase is granted.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen service connection for depressive disorder has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has dismissed appeals for initial ratings and effective dates related to depression, anxiety, and a low back disability. The remaining issues of increased ratings for the low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as service connection for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded.