Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neurobehavioral effects, including depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from 1980 to present.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to restore a 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, effective June 1, 2019, finding that there was material improvement in her condition and she could function under ordinary conditions of life.

The Veteran's cognitive residuals of a small berry aneurysm, including stroke and depression, are rated at 50 percent from August 10, 2012. His nystagmus is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD, rated at 50% since August 31, 2016, is now rated at 70%, the next higher percentage rating. The decision also grants a temporary TDIU for the period from November 7, 2016 to January 31, 2017.

The Board dismissed the claim of entitlement to a temporary total rating for PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder from November 2012 to December 2012 as it is dependent on the grant of service connection, which was already granted in January 2020.

The Board has decided that the case needs to be returned for further evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, including distinguishing its symptoms from other diagnoses.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. Service connection for PTSD is denied, and the TDIU appeal is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder associated with residuals of a stroke, and has remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings for depressive disorder, impairment of the left thigh, back disability, and left ankle were denied. The Board found that none of the conditions warranted a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected due to its being aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also receives a TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a right eye injury, sleep apnea, a disorder manifested by vertigo and dizziness, cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent since the effective date of service connection, August 2018. The Board found that his symptoms more closely approximate a 50 percent rating than a higher one.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 5, 2009. The rating is granted for the period from March 5, 2009 to August 27, 2019.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TDIU, and increased rating for lumbar spine disability due to incomplete development and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if his current diagnoses are related to service or service-connected conditions. The hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection. The claim for a sleep condition secondary to major depressive disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, so his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include PTSD, teeth grinding, right arm carpal tunnel syndrome, back, neck, shoulder, and knee disorders, as well as a skin disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent and does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent and does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, is denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and that his currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.