Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's schizophrenia is granted service connection, and the issues of entitlement to a TDIU and an eye disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent evaluation effective May 14, 2010.,A TDIU is granted effective May 14, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder has been granted a 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) are all granted service connection. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and post-traumatic stress disorder appeals have been withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD and bipolar disorder. The decision is based on the need for further examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and a TBI disability rating are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and correctional custody records. A VA examination is also required to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's in-service diagnosis of character disorder was subject to a superimposed disease or injury during service that resulted in additional disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, but has granted service connection for hepatitis C due to IV drug use associated with a service-connected PTSD and major depression.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) has been granted. The Board found new and material evidence in the form of the Veteran’s testimony and a private treatment record, leading to the reopening of these claims.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is related to his service in Iraq during his first period of service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for a right leg disability, left leg disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), high blood pressure (hypertension), and back disability.,There is no evidence of any chronic or progressive conditions in service that could be linked to current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is causally related to his active duty service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied, and his service connection claim for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as his mental health conditions were not proximately caused or aggravated by VA care, and the evidence did not show any fault on VA’s part.

The Veteran's appeal for an increase in the rating of his service-connected persistent depressive disorder and initial disability rating for obstructive sleep apnea from February 27, 2019 was denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, shingles, headaches, and a sleep disorder. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,While the Veteran provided statements asserting he experienced symptoms related to these conditions during service, there is no credible supporting evidence that any in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he did not exhibit total occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated as 20% prior to January 23, 2020 and 40% beginning January 23, 2020. The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated as 70%. These ratings are denied.,For the period prior to January 23, 2020, the Veteran's back disability was not found to warrant a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, or combined thoracolumbar spine ROM of 120 degrees or less.,Beginning January 23, 2020, the Veteran's back disability is rated as 40%. The Board found no ankylosis and thus did not find a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242. The Veteran was also not found to have incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.,The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated as 70%, which the Board found not to warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but without total social or occupational impairment.