Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for major depressive disorder was denied with a 70% rating from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012 and a 50% rating thereafter.,For the period from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012, the Veteran's major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 28, 2010 for the award of service connection for depressive disorder is denied due to the lack of a formal or informal claim filed before that date.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee condition, tinnitus, and depressive disorder as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for depression has been reopened.,Claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for right upper extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome, right lower extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral diabetic neuropathy have all been dismissed as freestanding claims. The original decisions granting these conditions were final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to March 31, 2014, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to March 31, 2014, for the grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.,The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to February 17, 2013, for the grant of service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome has been dismissed as a freestanding claim. The original decision granting this condition was final.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the initial PTSD VA examination and a need for further medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and/or specific phobia, flying.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse was denied, and the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition due to a duty to assist error and inadequate VA examination. The case is now pending for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cellulitis of the bilateral lower extremities and chronic fatigue syndrome have been dismissed. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include anxiety, depressive disorder, and PTSD has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders and their relationship to his in-service experiences. The VA is instructed to obtain new evidence and provide a comprehensive examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, are at least as likely as not secondary to her service-connected right wrist disability. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder with Panic Disorder, and Stomach Problems due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his psychiatric conditions are related to in-service personal assault and exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination. The previous denial was based on lack of evidence of a diagnosed condition in service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective May 15, 2019. The decision also granted TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the appellant has a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder or unipolar disorder that is related to service, particularly given his in-service diagnosis and post-service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn.,Service connection for back disability and depression were granted, but the case is remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive and nightmare disorders. The evidence shows that these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, effective from March 31, 2010. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for right thigh condition, residuals of laceration on right cornea, concussion with hematoma, right shoulder arthritis, pinched nerve condition, memory loss, PTSD, and depression have been granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for back condition prior to October 6, 2014, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter is remanded. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression secondary to a low back disability and sleep apnea secondary to depression. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions and potentially VA examinations.