Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 25, 2018. Beginning January 25, 2018, the disability caused more severe impairment resulting in a higher evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's throat cancer with loss of salivary glands, psychiatric disability (depressive disorder), cognitive disability, autonomic neurological disability (autonomic neuropathy), orthostatic hypotension, and residuals of strokes were not shown to have had their onset in service or within the first post-service year, or to be otherwise related to a disease or injury in service.,VA medical opinions did not support a relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, have been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since May 18, 2012. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and a right knee disability. The case is remanded to further develop evidence regarding his right knee disability.

The Veteran's PTSD and Depressive Disorder have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective August 30, 2018.

The Veteran's attorney requested to withdraw the appeal due to a correct calculation of past-due benefits awarded in January 2019, which resolved the issue of additional attorney fees for service connection granted in July 2018.

The Veteran's service connection for depressive disorder was granted with a rating of 50% effective January 13, 2012. The appellant is entitled to attorney fees based on the total past-due benefits awarded in the June 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been granted, while the initial rating for major depressive disorder (PTSD) has also been granted. The issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD from February 29, 2012 to June 16, 2014 is rated at 70 percent.,PTSD with MDD was increased to 100 percent effective January 14, 2020. The issue of TDIU remains pending from February 29, 2012 to June 16, 2014 and January 13, 2020.,Diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) did not manifest in active duty service and is not otherwise caused by or aggravated by his service-connected conditions, including hypersomnolence with cortical atrophy and microcephaly and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his occupational impact due to his psychiatric disability prevents him from performing gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and obtaining necessary records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, low self-esteem, major depression, and stress disorder, are being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The claims for increased ratings of her left knee, right knee, and right shoulder conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted due to his service-connected depressive disorder and chronic renal disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for GAD and for a TDIU due to service-connected disability. The remand requires obtaining updated medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing additional medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim of service connection for depressive disorder was granted and a 30 percent rating assigned, but denied revision based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the October 2007 rating decision. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding his lumbar spine disability and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine strain, and IBS require additional development due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder (MDD) is denied. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment at any time under appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, but the issues regarding service connection for a left ankle condition, right ankle condition, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral foot condition are remanded.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder, is rated at no higher than 50 percent from July 19, 2010, to September 17, 2019.