Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate previous examinations and the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stress related disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective October 16, 2015. The decision finds that the Veteran's condition results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for hypertension has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder prior to January 31, 2017 was denied as his symptoms did not warrant such a rating.,A 70 percent disability rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder from January 31, 2017 onwards has been granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim effective March 27, 2015 has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on need for aid and attendance (A&A) for the Veteran's spouse due to insufficient evidence. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a bilateral eye disorder, and SMC are now pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-related head injury and his later suicide, which caused his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion from a May 2019 VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The examiner did not adequately explain how no disability was superimposed on his personality disorder during service, relied solely on absence of documented treatment, and required an addendum opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors in prior VA examinations, and an addendum opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders pre-existed service or were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is granted as service connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in her favor.

The Veteran's case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a vocational rehabilitation folder, as well as an examination to assess the severity of his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD. The VA is instructed to schedule a new examination and provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PVCs, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and TDIU due to his heart disability. The issues are being remanded because of inconsistencies in medical evidence regarding the Veteran’s LVEF and need for a new opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits of diverticulosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, intervertebral disc syndrome, and a refraction error have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded cases regarding service connection for a pulmonary disability, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, depressive disorder with anxiety, and glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, anxiety disorder with claustrophobia, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and mood disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than major depressive disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety because his claim was resolved when he was granted service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from July 20, 2015 to January 14, 2019. The effective date for the TDIU grant is January 15, 2019.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted. The left foot scar issue remains pending due to remand. Hypertension is also pending and requires further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, including a need for an examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his initial increased rating for major depressive disorder is remanded.