Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded, as well as her claim for TDIU. A VA examination is needed to assess the severity of her depressive disorder and whether she has an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder.

The Veteran's mood disorder, previously rated at 50 percent, is now granted a 70 percent rating effective December 10, 2014. Additionally, the Veteran was granted service connection for lichenoid dermatitis and TDIU.,Effective December 10, 2014, the Veteran's mood disorder is rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for HIV has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has also remanded his claims for a rating increase for major depressive disorder, service connection for HIV, and TDIU.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was initially rated at 10 percent prior to September 27, 2019. The Board found that his symptoms more closely approximated a 30 percent rating during this period. From September 27, 2019 onwards, the Veteran is currently rated at 50 percent for major depressive disorder. The Board did not find sufficient evidence to grant higher ratings in either stage.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to an issue regarding whether a previous denial of service connection for PTSD was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The main issues are related to the conditions mentioned.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including kidney bypass, porphyria cutanea tarda, diabetes mellitus, gout, arthritis of the cervical spine, spinal stenosis, and hypertension. The Veteran was granted service connection for a heart disability due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD, anxiety, depression).

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. The issue of eligibility for treatment an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, is dismissed as the Veteran now has established service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder was denied as the earliest possible effective date is September 22, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression Disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total impairment. The Board granted an earlier effective date of October 14, 2015 for a 70% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination records and treatment history, which are necessary for an accurate determination of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated after these records have been obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran submitted new and material evidence concerning a diagnosis of anxiety and single incident major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her psychiatric disability is granted, and the case is remanded to determine if she is entitled to an increased rating.,Service connection for fibromyalgia as secondary to service-connected rhabdomyolysis is granted. The case is also remanded to assess whether the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating.

The Board dismissed all appeals because the Veteran's representative requested that all pending appeals be withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 21, 2013 for a 100% rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorders should be remanded due to incomplete records and need for further review.

The reduction of the rating for prostate cancer from 100% to 60% effective August 1, 2016 was proper.,Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50% for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is denied.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent prior to October 26, 2017 and at 50 percent thereafter. The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss has prevented him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since its effective date of May 30, 2002. The Board grants extraschedular TDIU effective May 30, 2002.

The Board has remanded multiple issues for further development, including additional VA examinations and clarifying medical opinions. The Veteran's claims are related to his military service but the evidence is insufficient to establish a direct link between his conditions and service.