Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's major depression has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of receipt of his claim. His erectile dysfunction is also granted a 20 percent rating. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is moot as both conditions are now rated at or above the required level for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, and hepatitis C due to outstanding private treatment records not yet obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective July 27, 2020. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent as his symptoms do not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment required for a higher disability rating. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and duodenal ulcer) meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development, including a need for a new VA examination to identify and discuss the presence or absence of PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder.

The claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70% disability rating since January 9, 2019. A TDIU was also granted from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is currently evaluated at a 70 percent rating for the period prior to October 4, 2018. For the period from October 4, 2018, an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Board denied the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The new evidence submitted did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation higher than 30 percent for service-connected insomnia prior to August 20, 2012 has been dismissed as the earlier effective date for major depressive disorder (MDD) with insomnia rendered the issue moot.,The combined disability rating from August 9, 2017 is denied as it does not exceed 80 percent.,The combined disability rating from April 11, 2018 is denied as it does not exceed 90 percent.,The combined disability rating from June 14, 2019 and August 1, 2020 is denied as it does not exceed 100 percent.,The initial evaluation for service-connected right shoulder strain with arthritis after October 1, 2018 remains unchanged.

Service connection granted for a headache condition due to service-connected major depressive disorder and tinnitus. Service connection also granted for a sleep disorder (OSA) related to major depressive disorder and GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim is related to his presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. However, the Board granted a 50 percent disability rating effective July 18, 2016, and found that the Veteran’s symptoms warranted such a rating.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. Service connection for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete service records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is being reviewed for possible service connection, and her right knee disability needs a new examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are found to be related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and a skin disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with polysubstance dependence, in remission, is granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 70 percent since June 28, 2004. The Board has granted a higher rating for this condition from July 3, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for depression or other acquired psychiatric disorder, as secondary to service-connected mechanical low back pain due to an inadequate VA examination.