Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and failure to readjudicate the claims in accordance with previous directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder is denied as the Veteran’s fatigue with sleep disturbance does not constitute a separate disability for compensation purposes.,The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is currently evaluated at 10 percent from prior to November 26, 2014 and 20 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating for this condition is denied as the evidence shows that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 40 degrees at worst.,The Veteran's right retropatellar pain syndrome is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and a higher initial rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's post-concussive syndrome with anxiety and depression secondary to residuals of a closed head injury with occipital fracture from August 11, 2004, to March 11, 2017 is currently evaluated at 30 percent. A higher initial rating is sought and the claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's residuals of a closed head injury with occipital fracture are currently evaluated at 40 percent, and a higher initial rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's mild neurocognitive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is currently evaluated at 70 percent, and a higher rating is sought. The claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected MDD with anxiety, including whether separate ratings are warranted for MDD and anxiety.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and additional development is required. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and a nervous condition, claimed as due to military sexual trauma (MST), is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor and the relationship between the claimed psychiatric conditions and service. The appellant's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD need to be verified, and a VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for a new VA opinion regarding the severity of TBI residuals and their impact on the Veteran's claimed conditions. The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected TBI.

Your appeals for service connection on various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with these matters.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to May 26, 2009 and denied any higher rating thereafter. A TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and headaches are rated at 70 percent combined, qualifying her for TDIU benefits. The Board granted the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with schizotypal personality disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine scoliosis with degenerative joint disease with strain and disc bulge was initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 19, 2014, and is currently rated at 20 percent from that date. Neither of these ratings meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence did not show a worsening in symptoms warranting such a rating prior to December 3, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.,An effective date prior to January 2, 2016, is denied for all awards of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions, and his service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder) is related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and obstructive sleep apnea have worsened, necessitating new VA examinations. Additionally, there is a need to obtain updated income and employment information for consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for individual unemployability and a higher rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU prior to July 21, 2014, and there was no evidence of worsening in her service-connected disabilities between July 21, 2013, and July 21, 2014, such that she became unemployable during this period. The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent.