Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a urinary condition was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition.,Major depressive disorder was granted at 70% prior to February 8, 2017 and at 100% from May 18, 2018. The rating in excess of 70% for the period before February 8, 2017 is denied.,Service connection for low back disorder was denied as it did not meet the one-year requirement after separation from service.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted secondary to the service-connected low back disorder. The rating in excess of 20% is denied for both conditions starting December 9, 2015.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back disability, peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is dismissed as moot because SMC based on aid and attendance is a greater benefit.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD with associated depressive disorder was denied. A separate 70% disability rating is granted as of March 11, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is granted. SMC for loss of use of lower extremities and TDIU from January 8, 2010 are also granted.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for a lower back condition, frostbite residuals (claimed as pain), depression, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate with alcohol use disorder mild is granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective February 24, 2010.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The left knee disability remains at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The Veteran has been granted TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric and left knee disabilities.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder NOS and generalized anxiety disorder, effective from September 10, 2018. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran should be granted an increased rating or service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and headaches were denied service connection. The left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain ratings were granted, but the left knee flexion limitation and instability were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective June 23, 2010. The Veteran also receives SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) from December 1, 2016.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since March 7, 1995 to July 11, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms have resulted in severe impairment in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for depression due to their relationship with his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, have rendered them unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his current employment, despite his reported occupational impairments.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depressive disorder, schizophrenia, manic depression, and organic brain syndrome, has been reopened. The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for service-connected depressive disorder was denied. Prior to February 6, 2018, the disability was rated at 30 percent and from that date it was rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to service, and that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.