Depression Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C and depression. The decision grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and alcohol abuse, and a disability claimed as a gynecological condition due to lack of current diagnoses or in-service disease/injury related to these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depression, and polysubstance abuse disorders, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depression, including stressor verification and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, including unspecified anxiety disorder and depression, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has ordered additional development to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected bilateral eye condition, finding that his current depression is related to his loss of vision due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's son is seeking DIC benefits as the helpless child of his father due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18. The Board has ordered further development, including obtaining SSA records and psychiatric treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for schizoid personality disorder, major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder due to incomplete examination reports and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding the Veteran's employability and non-service-connected disabilities. The VA must schedule an examination to assess the severity and permanency of all his disabilities, including their impact on employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's arguments and medical opinions regarding secondary service connection for sleep apnea, as well as the impact of his obesity on his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for depressive disorder and earlier effective dates for cervical spine DDD and lumbar spine strain with DDD are denied. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder; entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD; and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic pharyngitis associated with GERD. The Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders, as well as the current severity of his GERD and pharyngitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the addition of new VA examination and treatment records that were not considered in the previous decision.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression and anxiety disability is rated at 70 percent since May 16, 2014. The issue of an increased rating for prostate disability (benign prostatic hypertrophy) remains on appeal.,The Veteran’s right hip arthroplasty scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

An effective date earlier than October 12, 2017, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is denied.,An effective date earlier than January 16, 2015, for the award of service connection for a left knee scar is denied.,An effective date earlier than September 24, 2010, for the award of service connection for a right knee scar is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depressive Disorder has rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment for the entire appeal period.

An initial 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder is granted effective November 15, 2004. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted effective November 1, 2006. The appeals regarding the remaining issues are dismissed.