Depression Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxiety and alcohol abuse disorder, finding that there was no evidence showing a direct link to service or another service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective from March 13, 2015. A separate TBI evaluation is also granted. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from March 13, 2015 forward is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD features have been rated at 50 percent prior to October 29, 2016. The Board has determined that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability and hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records and schedule examinations for a determination on service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded all reopened service connection claims for accrued benefits purposes due to the need for additional records and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The issues include cause of death, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD and depressive disorder, bowel condition, and Parkinson’s disease.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 70 percent for service-connected depression through May 10, 2018, was denied. The Veteran also had his claims for increased ratings for service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) and left knee DJD were denied. A separate initial rating of 10 percent for left knee instability is granted effective October 11, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding in-service stressors and the need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, will be evaluated based on their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), back condition, and right shoulder disability has been reopened. The heart condition claim was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and completing a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea should be remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to service, including his back disability and depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected dyshidrotic eczema and major depressive disorder were denied as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities. The remands are necessary because the May 2019 VA examination is inadequate in addressing the Veteran’s occupational and social impairment related to his service-connected PTSD, and also due to the interdependence of the TDIU claim with the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and TDIU due to a need for further examination and review of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including opinions on service connection for psychiatric disability and obstructive sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for left knee, right knee, and right eye disabilities are denied as well as the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further rating determinations on his service-connected low back strain, right ankle sprain, and left ankle sprain.

The Board has denied an increased rating for PTSD and MDD, but granted a TDIU. The case regarding service connection for diabetes due to herbicide exposure is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain private medical records and complete a VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include major depression, finding no competent and credible evidence of a link between his military service and his current mental disabilities.