Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic distress disorder with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's low IQ and illiteracy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him helpless enough to require regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and chronic low back pain, have been found to meet the criteria for specially adapted housing eligibility. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is moot as he has already received eligibility for specially adapted housing. His request for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment was denied due to lack of meeting eligibility criteria.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of a valid diagnosis based on a corroborated in-service stressor. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, gastrointestinal disability, and sleep disturbance are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his active military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected depression and ischemic heart disease with history of bypass graft, and his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no indications of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, respiratory condition, residuals of a head injury, acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depressive disorders), and right eye disability. The claims are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, along with other disabilities, has prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment since October 1, 2013. Effective September 16, 2016, the Veteran is eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, back disability, and psychiatric disabilities have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 20% for his right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for service connection due to a lack of current diagnosis for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as a need for additional development on his claim for headaches.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from April 1, 2010 to April 26, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his MDD was denied, as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. Service connection for hypertension secondary to service-connected MDD was also denied, as there is no evidence that it is related to his service-connected MDD. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to his service-connected disabilities not precluding him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The appeal for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome is dismissed. The case for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence did not show he is unemployable as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for unspecified depressive disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and the retrieval of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that this rating is appropriate. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not service connected as secondary to his PTSD. The case is remanded for further development regarding these issues.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, PTSD, and sleep apnea due to incomplete or insufficient medical opinions.