Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of information regarding the necessity for a Master's Degree and vocational rehabilitation evaluations. The Veteran must provide any necessary documentation, and the AOJ should arrange for functional capacity evaluations and determine if the Veteran can achieve employment as a licensed social worker.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent prior to March 8, 2018. From March 8, 2018, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his case.

The Board dismissed the appeal as service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder had already been granted in a previous rating decision, and there were no remaining issues to be decided.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a new psychiatric examination.

The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 50 percent for depression prior to October 15, 2015 and from October 15, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, rhinitis, and ulcer disorder with gastritis due to potential issues with evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder and major depression disorder, are service-connected as they had their onset during his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, mood disorder, and depressive disorder. Service connection was denied for a sleep disorder secondary to the aforementioned conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder caused by service-connected disabilities, including left knee disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability. A 10 percent rating is granted for the left knee disability effective March 29, 2016.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine DDD. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records and need for additional information regarding employment status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C on a direct basis and remanded the issues of secondary service connection for hepatitis C, skin disorder due to herbicide exposure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, depressive disorder, GERD, tinnitus, and hemorrhoids have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms meet the criteria for this level of disability. The decision also notes that the Veteran's suicidal ideation and inability to establish effective relationships support this rating.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a right ankle disability, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's current condition is secondary to his service-connected right great toe disability. The TDIU and SMC claims are granted based on the Veteran’s service-connected lumbosacral strain and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is rated at 100 percent effective June 30, 2014. Effective August 30, 2016, the Veteran is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and an unspecified psychosocial circumstance. The Veteran's service records indicate he reported symptoms during service.