Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, claimed as chronic motion sickness and dizziness, on a schedular basis is denied. The claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder prior to June 5, 2017, and thereafter, is also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for major depressive disorder and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and a skin disability. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disabilities present during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities, depression, and audiological disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, MDD, and Insomnia is reopened. The appeal is granted in part.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and therefore he cannot be granted service connection for the cause of his death. Additionally, he did not meet the criteria to receive burial benefits as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for arthritis of the right thumb was reopened and granted service connection. An initial rating of 20% is assigned for scars of the left ankle, left knee, and right wrist.,Service connection for depressive disorder is granted with an effective date of September 17, 2016.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression and PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 24, 2017. After that date, the rating remains at 70 percent as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as hypertension, are granted. The claim for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA disability criteria.

The Board has found that there is a further duty to assist the Veteran in substantiating her claim on appeal regarding her psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The case is being remanded for another VA examination and additional records.

The Board dismissed the appeal as it has been granted a full benefit of SMC at the housebound rate since September 8, 2008.

The Veteran's initial claim for a TBI rating was granted at 10 percent prior to June 21, 2016. From that date, the Veteran's TBI is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased rating beyond 10 percent and dismissed the TDIU claim as moot due to his service-connected grand mal seizures. SMC at the housebound rate was also denied prior to August 3, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids due to incomplete records, including service personnel records and updated VA and private treatment records. The Veteran will need a psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, and left thumb fracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70% for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for irritable bowel syndrome was denied in a final decision, and no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for blood clots (including pulmonary embolisms) is not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to service or exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. His acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is also granted. The initial disability rating for right foot hallux valgus remains at 10 percent. The TDIU issue is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders is remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations and issues with communication regarding the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and depressive disorders, and ischemic heart disease due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being remanded for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the April 2007 rating decision. The decision was based on the correct legal standard at that time and supported by the evidence of record.