Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from March 11, 2016 to November 6, 2019, and 100 percent from November 6, 2019. The rating in excess of 50 percent from March 11, 2016 to November 6, 2019 is denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, resulted in total occupational and social impairment as of November 13, 2015. The symptoms included persistent hallucinations, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disturbance of mood or motivation, and paranoia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep disorder, eye disorder, arthritis of the cervical spine, right knee, hands, elbows, and right shoulder, as well as urinary problems, are being remanded due to insufficient examination opinions addressing prior findings.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with adjustment disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation from January 6, 2016 to February 14, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for a VA examination to determine if he has a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and, if so, its etiology. The increased rating claim for his left inguinal hernia and hydrocelectomy residuals remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability and depressive disorder do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected major depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 70 percent, as the symptoms were all reasonably contemplated by the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for MDD was increased to 70 percent, effective January 1, 2011. The Board also granted TDIU from October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's depressive disorder due to another medical condition with depressed features is granted as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, including an unclear diagnosis from a private psychiatrist and the need for further verification of in-service stressors. The Veteran will be asked to provide more details about his reported events and locations, and a VA psychiatric examination will be arranged.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depression, and diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to unclear reasons for denying his service-connected disabilities and failure to adequately explain why he was not considered unemployable. The appeal period began before a rating increase, so evidence up to one year prior is considered.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, with occupational and social impairment resulting in deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional relevant records, including those from military service, and seek another opinion from a medical professional.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining all relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse was denied. The case is also remanded to schedule an examination for bilateral hearing loss, as the Veteran contends his hearing has worsened.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, is granted. The new private medical evidence supports the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since July 22, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and conflicting medical opinions. The claim will be further developed to determine if PTSD or other psychiatric disorders are related to service.