Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis is remanded due to the possibility of incorrect address and homelessness, requiring further development at his latest known address.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. Service connection for a bilateral knee disability has been reopened and granted. Service connection for low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to it have also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and neurobehavioral effects, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records. The issues include TBI, urinary condition, vertigo, GERD, skin disability of the arms, acquired psychiatric disability, ED, hypertension, migraines, prostate condition, and third digit of the right hand disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depression disorder, general anxiety disorder, stimulant use disorder (in remission), and alcohol use disorder (in remission) is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were rated at 70 percent effective December 9, 2015.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective December 9, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed to make a fully-informed decision regarding the claims on appeal, including psychiatric disorders and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's service records indicate she had symptoms of anxiety and depression prior to her enlistment but no clear evidence of pre-existing PTSD. Further examination and medical opinions are required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD, psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and vision issues secondary to hypertension. The appeals are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for a higher level of care at the rate specified under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under any provisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability was denied due to lack of evidence of disease or injury in service. The claim is not reopened as new and material evidence has not been received.,Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder cannot be established as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, which requires a specific stressor event. Major depressive disorder was diagnosed but there is no link to service or an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's skin disability (presumably seborrheic dermatitis and actinic keratoses) is presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.,There is no evidence of a bilateral shoulder disability at any time during the pendency of the claim. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a current disability or that it is related to service.,Diabetes mellitus was not present in service and there is no link between diabetes and service, including exposure to herbicide agents.,The bilateral eye disability (presumably macular disease, cataracts, and presbyopia) is presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. There is no evidence of a current disability or that it is related to service.,There is no evidence of a bilateral knee disability at any time during the pendency of the claim. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a current disability or that it is related to service.,The lumbosacral strain was not present in service and there is no link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations. The hypertension claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and schizophrenia has been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM-5 criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the Board has ordered further development to determine the current severity of his gastrointestinal condition and hyperkeratosis of the feet.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and all issues on appeal have been dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, migraines, and hypertension. The Veteran's left knee, left ankle, and left foot disabilities were remanded due to lack of evidence in the record. Service connection for tinnitus was also remanded as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it is related to service.,The Veteran's depression disorder claim had an effective date denied because he did not file a timely appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to additional development being necessary. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for various conditions as the appellant, through her authorized representative, withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining complete service treatment records, verifying in-service stressors, and providing a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, due to a lack of complete inpatient records from the Veteran's service and recent VA clinical records. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder is denied. The Board finds that the earliest possible effective date is January 31, 2014, when he submitted a VA Form 21-526 EZ Fully Developed Claim for secondary service connection.