Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma and MDD were denied. The Veteran was already rated at 30 percent for both conditions.,Asthma: The Veteran’s disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his FEV-1/FVC remained below 70% predicted, and he did not require oral bronchodilators or systemic corticosteroids.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for TBI and headaches due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the claims file, and a VA examination is needed to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with sleep disorder and nightmares has resulted in unemployability since April 8, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that his current disability is related to military service.,Service connection for prostate disorder, including BPH and hypothyroidism were also denied as there was no indication they had their onset during or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities, specifically headaches and recurrent corneal erosions and left eye keratitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression. The Veteran's right shoulder scar is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 7804. Further examination and development are needed to address the issues related to his left knee disability, effective date of service connection, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD as due to military sexual trauma, is being remanded for a VA examination and further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress has been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for residual, right hip bone graft site is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The initial compensable rating for hearing loss in the left ear was denied, as did the claim for an increased disability rating for major depressive disorder during a specific period. The issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and surgical scars from left knee arthroscopic surgery had earlier effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death, hepatocellular carcinoma, was not service-connected as it did not manifest within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology is not established. The Board found that his depression did not cause or substantially contribute to his alcohol abuse or hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to February 18, 2019. A higher rating is denied since that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a personality disorder and psychiatric disabilities, including substance abuse, depression, and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. The decision found that there was no evidence of an in-service incurrence or nexus to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, judgment and mood. However, total occupational and social impairment due to the condition has not been shown at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted a 70 percent rating effective February 6, 2020. The claim for increased ratings for cervical spondylosis and total unemployability prior to July 26, 2010 are denied. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot after that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his anxiety disorder NOS is not related to his in-service stressor and that his current psychiatric disorders are more likely due to intercurrent factors such as childhood sexual abuse and incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information on the Veteran's claimed stressors and the need for a VA examination to clarify his psychiatric diagnoses.