Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating prior to June 23, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are due to an in-service assault. Service connection was denied for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence to decide the claim, requiring the Veteran to be afforded a VA examination with opinion on the etiology of his mental health condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is currently rated at 70 percent prior to January 30, 2017 and denied for a higher rating since that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease, interstitial lung disease, depression with sleep impairment, speech impairment, larynx paralysis, and ischemic heart disease, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical and cognitive impairments. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is granted. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric condition had its onset during his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric residuals of a traumatic brain injury, characterized as depressive disorder with anxiety, are granted at a 70% disability rating effective March 29, 2013. Other TBI residuals remain rated at 10%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and degenerative disc syndrome, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for constipation and circulatory issues were denied as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Her claim for PTSD (with major depressive disorder) was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective February 20, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his psychiatric conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder, claimed as depression, finding that there is no evidence linking his current mental health condition to his military service.

The Veteran is unable to work due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, which has resulted in a TDIU rating of 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder and depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The Board denied a higher rating for these conditions. For the period prior to July 5, 2018, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on her psychiatric disability. Beginning July 5, 2018, she was granted TDIU solely due to her service-connected psychiatric disability and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for psychosis or mental illness and TDIU, as they are moot due to the grant of PTSD. The claims for alcohol abuse disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remain pending and need further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and interviews, as well as further development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include schizophrenia and sleep apnea, but remanded the cases of neck disability and back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychotic features, and substance dependence in remission.