Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of prior notice that the appellant was recognized as a substitute in the appeal. The Veteran's death and his service in Vietnam are acknowledged, but there is no formal diagnosis of PTSD during his lifetime. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if he had an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to his death and whether it is related to service or his cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment due to his inability to focus and maintain concentration, social interaction issues, and suicidal thoughts.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and headaches/dizziness due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's attorney provided additional information about his alleged stressors during service aboard USS Jesse L. Brown, which will be used by VA to corroborate these allegations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) are related to service, but needs further examination for a definitive opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 13, 2012 is remanded due to inadequate development and compliance with previous Board directives.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma, major depressive disorder, and cannabis use. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with cocaine use disorder is granted a 70 percent rating prior to September 6, 2016.,A higher rating for the Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with cocaine use disorder from September 6, 2016 is denied.,The Veteran's GERD symptoms are rated at 30 percent prior to May 18, 2017 and 60 percent since that date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by his military service. The disability rating is set at 100%.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and increased ratings for major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to procedural issues and the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD with mild depression has been granted, and he is now rated at 70 percent. The issue of TDIU effective June 25, 2002 has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for further medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder is dismissed as the benefit was already granted. The appeal for an increased rating of residuals of partial gastrectomy for ulcer disease is denied, with the current 40 percent rating being upheld. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right foot two toes amputation to treatment by the San Juan VA Medical Center from April 2, 2010, to June 3, 2010 is also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims for increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations. Effective date issues are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the evaluation issues.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective February 23, 2011. The Board has granted a higher rating for this condition.

A 30 percent disability rating for PTSD prior to October 11, 2019 is granted.,A higher than 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder from October 11, 2019 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's in-service stressor, which is a key element for establishing service connection. The AOJ needs to secure the Veteran’s complete service personnel records and contact relevant repositories to verify his claimed incident.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 11, 2011 was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements for a combined rating of 70% or more due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be proximately related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.