Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to January 29, 2020 due to insufficient evidence regarding his ability to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's private treatment records from rehab programs in Branson and Salem, Missouri need to be obtained, as well as VA treatment records since 2015.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) is granted. The claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and a Mood Disorder) are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss have been rated, but the increased ratings requested are denied. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70% since November 1, 2012, while his bilateral hearing loss was previously rated at 30%, with a subsequent increase to 70% effective June 11, 2016.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is granted service connection.,Service connection for fatigue and headaches due to undiagnosed illness during the Persian Gulf War are granted.

The Veteran's MDD is granted at a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period. The criteria for an increased rating for DM are not met, and service connection for hypertension as secondary to DM is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevents him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for clarification of the December 2019 private audiometric evaluation and review of all outstanding VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU from January 11, 2011 to November 1, 2020 will also be considered.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to his death.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for depression with sleep impairment and PTSD due to new and material evidence. The claims are granted as both conditions are at least as likely as not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected mental disorders, but SMC based on housebound status and need for regular aid and attendance are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 2008. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from September 30, 2008, to July 16, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their severity. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 2, 2016. Therefore, the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 20, 2010. The Board also granted the Veteran TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for depression with mood swings was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection is granted for plantar warts, penile warts, and bilateral sciatica of the lower extremities. Service connection is also granted for thoracolumbar spine disability (low back condition).,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, left knee arthralgia, and bilateral hearing loss remains pending.,Service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune and/or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's mental health conditions, including depression and cyclothymic disorder, are being remanded for further development due to the need to obtain private treatment records from Dr. I.