Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a reduction in disability rating from 100% to 50% for major depressive disorder effective September 1, 2015. The Veteran's condition is currently rated as 50%, and restoration of a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for low back strain, TDIU, and initial MDD rating due to missing supplemental statements of the case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder and obstructive sleep apnea has been granted. The claim for PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating, while the hypertension claim is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but denied service connection for major depressive disorder (already service-connected), right ankle disability, and right knee disability. The right shoulder disability remains under review.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection of seborrheic dermatitis, a mental health disability to include anxiety disorder, depression, and mood disorder, left knee DJD with meniscus tear, and right knee DJD with meniscus tear have been dismissed.

A rating of 30 percent for major depressive disorder from December 2, 2011 to August 9, 2015 is granted. Appeals seeking service connection for various knee and ankle disorders, as well as earlier effective dates for the psychiatric and skin disabilities are dismissed.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

All initial claims for increased ratings were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal. The restoration of a 50% rating for major depressive disorder was granted effective December 1, 2015. Earlier effective dates of May 22, 2014 were granted for increased ratings for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded her from securing and following substantially gainful employment since September 19, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the unverified in-service stressors.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (exclusive of PTSD and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder), to include MDD, was also denied as there is no evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, foot disability evaluation, and major depressive disorder rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for major depression with mixed anxious distress, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and migraine headaches were denied. The Board found that the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD is granted. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder arthritis and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) should be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD).,The Veteran's major depressive disorder, NOS is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions, specifically PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and preparing retrospective opinions regarding the Veteran's depressive disorder and diabetes.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia and an acquired psychiatric disability (excluding PTSD), including depression, have been withdrawn. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI with headaches, vision disturbances, and memory loss has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder, including potential stressors during service. The Veteran will need further examination and development of his claims.