Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability and an increased rating for major depressive disorder were both denied by the Board. The decision found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors for PTSD. Further development is needed, including verifying alleged incidents and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to the need for clarification by a VA examiner regarding the nature and cause of any current mental health conditions, including schizoaffective disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are granted a 70 percent rating, effective February 26, 2019. Other issues remain on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's personality disorder was not related to his service and that any diagnosed conditions were part of his personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a below-the-knee amputation and multiple joint issues, have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has ordered further development to determine if these conditions meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of major depressive disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and low back disability have been denied as there is no indication that the Veteran wished to file a claim prior to September 7, 2012, June 26, 2012, or June 26, 2012 respectively.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied as the prior rating decision implicitly denied these conditions when granting a higher rating for his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations and his need for a new examination. The claims are being considered based on any acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or substance use disorder.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraines prior to September 27, 2016 is denied. A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches effective from September 27, 2016 is granted. Effective September 27, 2016, the Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, is related to his military service. However, due to insufficient evidence provided by the VA examiner in August 2020, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder were rated at 70 percent from June 29, 2010 to April 3, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating from July 29, 2014 to September 30, 2015. A higher rating is not warranted for the period of October 1, 2015 to July 22, 2018, and a 50 percent rating shall be assigned from July 23, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss, finding that his conditions are not related to military service. The Board also denied a TDIU rating due to insufficient combined disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression has been reopened. The case is being remanded for a new VA opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to the Veteran's service-connected headaches, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to August 7, 2013, and SMC after that date due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's depressive disorder rating remains at 30%, but his TDIU claim is being reconsidered.