Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran was entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance prior to his death. The examiner is requested to consider the specific impairing attributes associated with each of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to November 9, 2018 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for PTSD and TBI residuals from November 9, 2018 was also denied.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for PTSD with depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition, but denied service connection for traumatic brain injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records show multiple psychological complaints, but a definitive link between these conditions and his current diagnoses is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are currently rated at 50% prior to April 4, 2017, and 70% thereafter. The right knee DJD is rated at 10%, with separate ratings for locking (20%) and lateral instability (10%).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 10, 2013.,The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection in April 2014 with an initial compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is now rated at 70 percent effective April 18, 2016. Prior to this date, her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete personnel records and inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset of various conditions. The issues will be reconsidered after obtaining all available service records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding a neurological disorder (to include Parkinson's disease), heart disability, chest disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and major depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of PTSD, Major Depression, and Traumatic Brain Injury with Memory Loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the effective date of his tinnitus service connection was not advanced as requested.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder, is now rated at 70% effective September 24, 2004. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective the same date.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, insomnia, and anxiety was rated at 50 percent prior to August 22, 2019. The claim for a higher rating is denied. A TDIU was granted from August 22, 2019 but the case is dismissed as moot due to his current schedular rating of 100 percent and other service-connected disabilities not meeting the required combined total rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from any psychiatric conditions and whether these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's current diagnosis of depression is proximately due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD), and chronic cough. The Veteran's claims are pending as they have not been fully adjudicated.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, or depression.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent prior to January 6, 2020 and 50 percent thereafter. The case was remanded for further development regarding her left arm disability and TDIU claim. Her depressive disorder remains in need of higher ratings.