Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, the propriety of reducing his rating for major depressive disorder with ADHD from 60% to 40%, a higher rating for major depressive disorder with ADHD, a higher rating for primary central nervous system lymphoma with psychomotor seizures, and a compensable rating for diplopia with convergence insufficiency. The claims will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's rating for his psychiatric disability was denied in excess of 50% prior to January 30, 2018 and in excess of 70% thereafter. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating due to insufficient occupational and social impairment. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed sufficient for a TDIU determination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depression, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his documented in-service stressor.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted a rating of 100 percent effective June 22, 2009. As the full benefits were granted, there are no merits to adjudicate on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was rated at 30 percent from July 9, 2010 to July 31, 2012. From August 1, 2012 to May 14, 2014, the rating increased to 50 percent. After that date, a higher rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint disease.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to September 16, 2015. From September 16, 2015, the rating increased to 50%. The effective date for this increase is September 16, 2015. The Veteran also received a grant of SMP and TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to his service-connected persistent depressive disorder with unspecified social phobia was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of in-service psychiatric diagnoses and their connection to current conditions, as well as a lack of VA treatment records from August 1971.

The Veteran's major depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since May 12, 2016. Prior to that date, the impairment was less severe.

The Board has received notification that the appellant wishes to withdraw all remaining issues, including service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic, clinically diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent from October 11, 2016. A compensable rating for sarcoidosis has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran was entitled to a TDIU effective October 11, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been more clinically characteristic of those contemplated by the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation, but no more during the period between December 10, 2012 and November 14, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD and persistent depressive disorder have been granted a 100% rating throughout the appeal period, and he is also granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious stress were increased to a 70 percent rating effective November 6, 2019. The Veteran was also granted TDIU effective the same date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as anxiety and depressive disorder, were not incurred in service. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions and a need for another VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's mental health disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder and bipolar and related disorder, based on combat service in Vietnam.