Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, was dismissed. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities for the period beginning February 24, 2016, is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral chronic shin splints. The ratings for bilateral shin splints and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to a need for updated evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, finding that it is related to his military service. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened and granted. The increased rating in excess of 30 percent for tension headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated and some issues are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disabilities, neurologic disabilities and tremors of the right upper extremity, neck disability, hypertension, and left ankle disability. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's MDD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, her left and right hallux valgus are each rated at 10 percent, and she is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psoriasis claims are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for depression, left and right knee disabilities, arthritis of the hands, and sleep apnea due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board has also determined that additional VA examinations are needed to address the Veteran's service connection claims.,The Veteran is being asked to provide more information regarding his in-service injuries, as well as any private treatment records from P.L., LCSW, and Dr. T.O.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disorder is not attributable to service and denied his claim for service connection. The PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder issue was remanded due to a need for a more contemporaneous examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduled VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disability, as the Veteran was unable to attend due to his ongoing cancer. The AOJ is instructed to reschedule the examination and attempt to obtain any relevant medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinus/allergic rhinitis, headache condition, hypertension, skin cancer of the bilateral arms, high cholesterol, bilateral shoulder condition, appendix removal residuals, colon condition, GERD, brain stem stroke, sleep apnea, and heart condition. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective December 2, 2016. A TDIU has also been granted from the same date.,Hearing loss/ear disability remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in fulfilling its duty to assist and because of a need for additional evidence. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again, with an emphasis on verifying her claimed stressor and obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted with a 10% evaluation, but no more. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, sleep apnea, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, PTSD, and depressive disorder. The criteria for a higher rating were not met in any of these cases.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation for denying service connection for a right leg disability, including right leg lengthening.,Additional development is needed to determine if the leg length discrepancy constitutes a recognized disability.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and personality disorder due to lack of new and material evidence. The cause of death was not found to be related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right shin disorders, hearing loss, residuals of hypothermia, and a psychiatric disorder. The Board found no evidence of chronic or identifiable disabilities in or after service.