Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for PTSD with MDD and alcohol dependence, as well as a TDIU prior to April 9, 2014, was denied. The appeal is based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for major depressive disorder was denied, and the case is remanded due to issues related to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient opinions regarding aggravation of his knee disabilities by his cervical spine and low back disabilities, as well as insufficient opinions on whether his psychiatric disorders are related to his knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete development, including failure to notify the Veteran of scheduled examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by his attorney and additional VA treatment records. The claims are being reviewed to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current conditions and active service, or other relevant factors.

A 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is granted from April 15, 2014.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted from June 10, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's headaches prior to January 23, 2019.,The claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for major depressive disorder is also being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The evidence does not support a finding of continuous or recurrent symptoms since service separation in July 1982, nor is there sufficient medical nexus to establish a link between any current psychiatric condition and active service.

The Board has remanded this case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Court found that the Board and VA examiners failed to consider the Veteran's lay assertions of military sexual trauma as well as his psychiatric symptoms during and after service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Depressive Disorder, Fibromyalgia, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome) prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The decision grants TDIU.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified trauma-stressor related disorder and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate development in previous examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dementia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic adjustment disorder.,There is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent from July 6, 2010 to August 8, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder is dismissed as moot. The issue of entitlement to TDIU from December 2, 2016, is also dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for the disability. However, the issue of TDIU prior to December 2, 2016, remains unresolved and is not addressed further in this decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and pension benefits were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent from April 8, 2018 to August 20, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent since August 20, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for increased ratings of persistent depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, and he is now rated at 30% for unspecified depressive disorder.,The effective date of the grant of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder is set to April 5, 2017. The Veteran's initial disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder remains at 30%, but a higher 70% rating is granted.