Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's left upper femur stress fracture is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating may be warranted based on additional functional loss due to pain and other symptoms. The claim for TDIU remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip strain is dismissed. The Board also finds that further development is necessary regarding the Veteran’s TBI and related ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete review of whether the Veteran's depression is related to service, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. An addendum opinion from a VA examiner is needed to clarify this issue.

The Board has remanded the case for readjudication due to new VA treatment records, and will consider service connection on its merits.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of August 9, 2019, for the award of a 70 percent disability rating for his service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder is granted. The appeal for a higher disability rating is denied.

The Board has granted a total disability rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder from May 6, 2013 until May 23, 2018 due to severe symptoms causing total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his unspecified depressive disorder was denied, and the TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence that he could not work due to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 19, 2015. From July 18, 2013 to May 19, 2015, a higher rating for PTSD was denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional medical records need to be obtained, including from SSA and private providers like Clovis Counseling and a Roswell psychologist. A new VA examination is needed to address whether PTSD was aggravated by service or caused by in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD, with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression with psychotic symptoms are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various disabilities and a rating for lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are pending resolution.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder. The current VA examination was deemed inadequate due to its reliance on the absence of evidence after separation.

The Veteran's service-connected circadian rhythm sleep wake disorder with delayed sleep phase (CRSWD) and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression are not productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency. The Veteran is currently rated at 50% for these conditions, effective July 25, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is granted service connection. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service. Erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed major depressive disorder, and requested an opinion from a VA psychologist or psychiatrist on its etiology.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, anxiety, personality disorder, PTSD, and insomnia, is granted as secondary to service-connected TMD with bruxism, BPPV, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder to 30 percent effective from February 1, 2019 was proper. However, the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected depression is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a gastrointestinal disability due to outstanding evidence and further development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 30, 2011 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder has been denied. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 30, 2011 is remanded.