Depression Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, left leg amputation, peripheral neuropathies in both upper and lower extremities, vocal cord paralysis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The issues of service connection for high blood pressure, seizures, hepatitis C, degenerative arthritis of the spine with back pain, and fragment in left knee are being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her anxiety and depression, as well as TDIU, are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since November 1, 2013, due to total occupational and social impairment caused by symptoms such as impaired impulse control, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, inability to establish effective relationships, intermittent periods of unemployability, and near continuous panic and depression.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, NOS; entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, bilateral knees; and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for sinusitis prior to October 29, 2014, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical dysplasia, depressive disorder (not otherwise specified), COPD, and Hepatitis C due to additional development of her records.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The case of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for Parkinson’s disease, an acquired psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper and lower extremities due to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim for these conditions is being reviewed again with additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's PTSD and depressive disorder treatment records, employment history, and mental health care from Psychological Consulting Services. The VA is instructed to request these records for a more comprehensive evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depression) and rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome, post-operative.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and obstructive sleep apnea due to deficiencies in the prior VA examination opinions. The Veteran's PTSD claim is pending as it was not resolved under DSM-IV, and her OSA claim requires clarification on whether it is related to her undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on functional limitation during flare-ups and after repeated use over time for the period from March 22, 2011 to July 24, 2014. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 24, 2014, and a rating in excess of 50 percent beginning July 24, 2014, for depressive disorder. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations and provide medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU prior to January 10, 2017 are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a disability of the cervical spine/neck, TDIU, and permanent and total rating due to inextricably intertwined issues with previously remanded low back and pseudofolliculitis barbae claims. Medical examinations are needed.