Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions regarding service connection, rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, diabetes, and lumbar spine disability are being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's participation in Exercise Intrinsic Action in 1997 and his psychiatric condition during service. The AOJ will gather additional records, including from D Co, 2-5 CAV, 1st CAV DIV, and obtain updated treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to new evidence indicating a possible worsening of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and because the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was found to have started during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding her psychiatric disorder, particularly whether it began during active service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to September 15, 2018. The RO granted a temporary 100 percent rating for total left knee arthroplasty from January 16, 2014 to February 28, 2018 and granted separate ratings of 30 percent for left knee osteoarthritis with total left knee arthroplasty (left knee disability) and a 20 percent rating for instability of the left knee. The RO also granted a 30 percent rating for right knee disability from March 1, 2018 and a separate 20 percent rating for instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has decided that a remand is required due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100% effective September 12, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms more nearly approximated a 100% rating than those noted in her November 2018 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with MDD was denied. The Board found that July 10, 2013 is the earliest effective date allowed for the initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder was granted a rating of 70 percent. The issue of an increased rating for lumbar scoliosis with strain is being remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for unspecified depressive disorder and a higher rating for asthma and COPD was denied. Service connection for sinusitis is also denied.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection as it was aggravated by his military service. The claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression), and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for a psychiatric disorder was denied prior to December 26, 2018. A 100 percent rating was granted from December 26, 2018 onwards.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depression and chondromalacia, left knee was dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that further remand is necessary to address the service connection claims for major depressive disorder and insomnia due to conflicting opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's mental health symptoms are being evaluated again, including whether they represent a separate condition or part of an existing one.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (depressive disorder with anxiety distress and flat feet with bilateral plantar fasciitis) preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran is also still seeking a rating in excess of 20 percent for her left knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.