Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's representative contends that her PTSD has worsened since the March 2017 VA examination. The Board finds that remand is necessary to fully assist the Veteran in developing her claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression as secondary to his service-connected CAD was denied, and the claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand issued by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, which directed that a new VA medical opinion be obtained and addressed whether any experiences in service resulted in the manifestation of any presently occurring acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral ankle osteoarthritis due to potential new evidence and further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70 percent rating.

The Board found that the decedent's discharge was due to willful and persistent misconduct, not insanity at the time of discharge. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for depressive disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU was granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new evidence, but has also remanded it for further examination and opinion regarding whether his service-connected mental health conditions caused or aggravated his current sleep apnea.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of his anxiety disorder with depression. The Board finds that the claim is not supported by evidence prior to November 8, 2013 and therefore denies this request. The case is remanded for further development related to increased rating and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and treatment records.

A disability rating higher than 50 percent prior to November 14, 2019, and higher than 70 percent as of that date for major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder is denied.,A disability rating of 20 percent effective October 19, 2018 for a lumbar strain is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected disabilities, as well as their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for S-DVI due to pending service connection claims, and instructed that the AOJ should hold the appeal in abeyance until those claims are resolved. The AOJ is also directed to seek further medical explanation from the underwriter regarding the assigned debits for non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective November 8, 2010. A TDIU is granted from that date. The Veteran also has a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 10% rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right leg condition is dismissed as his claim has been resolved by the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeals for bilateral heel disability and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and major depressive affective disorder and alcohol use disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to traumatic events.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depressive disorder is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.