Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and persistent depressive disorder. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of PTSD and depression, requiring further development including a VA mental health examination.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disabilities (Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder) is remanded.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically unspecified depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective December 22, 2016. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, but has remanded the cases of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and depression, as secondary to a low back disability, are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's current back condition is related to an in-service injury, and his depression is caused by his low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, as secondary to military sexual assault during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder with psychotic features had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and the relationship between his major depressive disorder and service.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective from May 17, 2016, based on the combined impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from September 1, 2003 to February 5, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the criteria were not met during this period.,An increased rating of 100% for service-connected major depressive disorder (to include depression, schizophrenia, and cognitive impairment) was granted effective November 7, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 27, 2018 for Meniere’s syndrome is denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not include attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month or more than once weekly.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and an increased rating for chronic prostatitis status post TURP have been granted, with the effective date of November 28, 2006, for the award of service connection for depression. The initial rating for chronic prostatitis has also been increased to 20 percent from January 13, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot adjudicate the merits of this appeal as they have no jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's claims and need for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and private treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine his current psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service.

The appeal for service connection for prostate cancer is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected low back pain, is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective June 16, 2013. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of new and material evidence, as no evidence was provided showing the exact cause of death or its relation to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and need for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.