Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

A 30 percent initial disability rating for a depressive disorder is granted from January 24, 2014 to July 6, 2017.,The claims of entitlement to higher ratings for infectious hepatitis and hepatitis C as well as TDIU prior to July 6, 2017 are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether his psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and other conditions, finding that her current symptoms are linked to military sexual trauma experienced during service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and right ankle disability have been granted service connection, with a 20 percent rating for the right ankle. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been remanded.

The Veteran's GERD and service-connected psychiatric condition are being remanded for further evaluation. Additional VA treatment records, including from the Jacksonville VA Medical Center in 1992, need to be obtained. A new opinion is required regarding whether her GERD is related to her military service or aggravated by her service-connected depression.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's depression is service connected, but has remanded his right ear hearing loss claim due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding dental condition, eye condition, prostatic condition, and right inguinal hernia repair. Service connection was granted for adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an adequate psychiatric VA examination and/or medical opinion to address whether the Veteran has PTSD under DSM-IV and if it was caused by service.

The Veteran's service-connected toxic inhalational lung disease, with cicatricial bronchiolitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and sleep apnea has resulted in his loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board granted a higher rate of SMC at the R-1 level under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) based on the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or a higher level of care.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, was granted a 70 percent rating prior to March 5, 2016. From March 5, 2016 onwards, the Veteran continues to receive a 70 percent rating for his psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder). The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment prior to September 17, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's periods of active duty and reserve service, as well as her claimed injuries. The VA is instructed to verify all periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, and schedule a VA examination to determine if the lumbar spine disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted an increased rating of 70 percent prior to November 26, 2012. The claim for TDIU prior to that date is also granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 11, 2010 for the grant of nonservice-connected pension benefits due to the Veteran's permanent and total disability from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,An effective date earlier than June 20, 2016 is denied for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD is denied. The rating for restrictive lung disease remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reopened. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric or mental disorders.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder is granted, and he is now rated at 70 percent. Service connection for major depressive disorder separate from the service-connected anxiety disorder is also granted. The claim for PTSD is denied. The effective dates for both psychiatric disorders are not granted as requested.