Depression Board decisions

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as his combination of migraines, lumbosacral disc bulge, left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the lumbar spine, and depressive disorder makes him unable to secure or follow gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and conflicting diagnoses. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a sleep disorder is being reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was received by VA on June 23, 2010. The effective date of the grant of TDIU is assigned as June 23, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II with onychomycosis of the bilateral big toenails and erectile dysfunction is remanded. The Board also notes that an earlier effective date prior to August 13, 2012, is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete record and failure to provide adequate reasons or bases for its decision. The Veteran's service-connected anxiety/depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating is sought.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of such condition and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and granted TDIU from June 1, 2011 to March 14, 2018. The appeal regarding TDIU from March 14, 2018 is pending.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety. The examiner should assess whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are related to her in-service personal assault. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, athlete's foot, lumbar spine disorder, sinus disorder, and pes planus due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder due to insufficient information provided by the VA to corroborate the claimed stressor events. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence or have their claim reviewed further.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development and examination due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board found that the reduction in rating from 100% to 70%, effective August 1, 2015 for major depressive disorder was proper based on improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including providing proper VCAA notice, obtaining VA examinations, and updating the Veteran's mailing address.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been partially granted, with some issues being granted while others were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not specified.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any currently endured acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD. Additionally, a polysomnogram report for obstructive sleep apnea must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for various service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric disorders, carpal tunnel syndromes, and respiratory issues, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The appeals will be reconsidered based on new evidence and a thorough review of the Veteran's service records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, from the effective date of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with secondary alcohol use disorder, finding that the onset of these conditions occurred during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to verifying a reported stressor of military sexual trauma (MST) during service and providing the Veteran with a new VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.