Depression Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with unspecified alcohol use disorder and unspecified cannabis use disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded several issues including the rating for erectile dysfunction, hidradenitis suppurativa, and depression due to additional relevant VA medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and development of evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board granted the Veteran's request to reenter the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program due to worsening of her service-connected disabilities, particularly her depressive disorder and migraines, which made it impossible for her to continue working as a crime scene agent.

The Board has granted Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as the Veteran's death was due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an unspecified depressive disorder, right and left lower extremity idiopathic neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The decision found that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria and insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, rated at 50% prior to March 1, 2012, and now granted a 70% rating effective June 30, 2020, is found to meet the criteria for such a rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's reported stressors during service are also being reviewed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and denied his claims for service connection for a right hip disability, hypertension, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal condition, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 6, 2004. Ratings in excess of 70 percent were denied for the periods from October 1, 2004 to June 22, 2005 and from October 1, 2005 to January 17, 2006. A rating in excess of 70 percent was also denied for the period from April 1, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, affective disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia, is not related to service or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for hypertension, prostate cancer, headaches, and other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and major depressive disorder, have caused him to be unemployable prior to June 23, 2011. The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum medical opinion regarding the impact of his MDD on employment from March 2008 to June 2011, and then referred the case to the VA Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection was withdrawn. Service connection is granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis of the left index finger, and recurrent prostatitis.