Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate previous VA examinations and inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of all issues related to service connection and increased ratings, including bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and dental disorder. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 18, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not currently have a disability. The claim for tinnitus is granted based on credible evidence of in-service exposure to loud noises.,Service connection for the deviated septum, right hand pain, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and sleep disorder are all remanded due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with substitution and accrued benefits claims, which are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The claim will be further developed by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder prior to February 5, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's low back condition and tension headaches have been remanded for further evaluation.,A psychiatric disorder claim has also been remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board denied service connection for these conditions as the evidence did not show aggravation of a pre-existing condition during active duty training.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and he is also entitled to TDIU. The tinea rashes claim remains pending as the Veteran was not examined for this issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ulcerative colitis and depression, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for ES TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The increased rating claim for the major depressive disorder remains pending and must be remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder), but these claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an exhaustive search for VA medical center records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depressive Disorder was denied. The appeal period is from September 30, 2013 to June [REDACTED], 2016.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD) have been granted. The case is remanded to further develop evidence related to these claims.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression and TBI, but granted an effective date of January 24, 2016 for the award of a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective January 23, 2019. The other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted service connection, but his higher ratings for various disabilities and effective date claims are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD during the appeal period and insufficient evidence linking any psychiatric disorder to service.