Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at a 70 percent rating, effective June 29, 2009. The symptoms include suicidal ideation, anger issues, difficulty in establishing and maintaining work and social relationships, and disturbances of motivation and mood.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal, finding that his request to withdraw service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was valid. The claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee disability were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and left breast biopsy residual scar are pending.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for major depressive disorder and alcohol and drug abuse due to incomplete records from a private treatment facility. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so the decision on alcohol and drug abuse cannot be rendered until the major depressive disorder issue is resolved.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed features of depression and anxiety, effective from September 11, 2015. The decision finds that his symptoms most closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back arthritis and major depressive disorder. The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 6, 2014 for PTSD is dismissed as the RO granted a higher effective date of June 20, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions pre-existed service and were aggravated by service. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including verification of in-service stressors and clarification of diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD that meets DSM criteria and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and dysthymia) and left eye cataract are related to his military service.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 50 percent, effective September 24, 2014. The Veteran's left knee disability prior to March 5, 2013, is rated at 10 percent. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are granted, with a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The acquired psychiatric disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is service-connected as it was incurred during her active duty.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for major depressive disorder effective June 13, 2019. The Veteran is also granted entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) since May 1, 1995.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder and right ankle disorder are granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for a facial scar is set at December 11, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knees due to incomplete development. The Veteran's sister stated that his behavior changed after returning from overseas during active duty, but this evidence was not considered in previous opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to support the reopening of her claim. However, the claim is still pending as further development is needed due to insufficient medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her in need of regular assistance from another person for daily activities or to protect herself from hazards, thus denying her claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.