Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent effective August 15, 2016. The hearing loss rating remains unchanged.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for migraine headaches has been increased to a maximum of 50 percent, but only subject to the rules and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits. The Board also remanded her claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to service and granted. The Veteran does not have a current PTSD diagnosis, so the claim for PTSD is denied. Anxiety and depression secondary to dental condition are also denied.

The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder, effective July 29, 2009. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU since June 29, 2013.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The decision is based on new evidence received since a previous denial that relates to the basis of the prior denial.

The Veteran's depression is part of his service-connected PTSD and already considered in the assigned rating.,Psoriatic arthritis was not shown as chronic during service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established; therefore, it is denied.,COPD was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is also not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents; thus, it is denied.,Carcinoma of the back was not shown as chronic during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is also not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents; therefore, it is denied.,From May 15, 2008 to April 2, 2010, and from July 9, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. From April 2, 2010 to July 9, 2018, the issue of TDIU is moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to his military service. The decision is based on new medical evidence provided by a private physician.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including memory and comprehension difficulties, mental health issues, nightmares, vivid dreams, irritability, anger, anxiety, mood swings, low coping abilities, depression, conflicts, hypervigilance, time lapses, compulsive/impulsive habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, joint aches, muscle fatigue, genital warts, and ear, nose, and throat condition are not service-connected. The Veteran's service-connected conditions account for the majority of his reported symptoms.

The Board has found that remand is warranted for the claims of service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include mood disorder, major depression, and PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms and events he witnessed during service are not adequately addressed in the June 2020 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether the Veteran should be granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to April 24, 2017, due to his service-connected PTSD and other mental health conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in a 70 percent disability rating since September 2, 2016. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's inability to maintain substantial gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder and a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of depression separate from his PTSD, and that the symptoms associated with his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, including his conceded stressor.

The Veteran's MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from June 16, 2016 to October 30, 2018. He was granted a 50 percent rating for this period.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and left knee disabilities, but granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety.,Secondary service connection was granted for the Veteran's left knee disability as it is related to his right knee disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to TBI, is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service or TBI.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and anxiety, is denied as there is no evidence showing it was incurred in service.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown by VA standards.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate etiology opinions for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. The case will be returned after further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms sufficient to warrant a higher rating, such as suicidal or homicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, intermittent illogical speech, near continuous panic, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance, or an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to the lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder prior to February 21, 2020.

The Veteran's initial rating for depressive disorder was granted at a 50 percent level, effective August 7, 2009. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.