Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder rating is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence that she submitted a valid claim prior to May 5, 2015.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition, low back condition, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are all granted. The rating for the psychiatric conditions is increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression), tinnitus, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, benign prostate hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU. The remand also includes a request for VA examination to determine if the Veteran has diagnoses of diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower limbs.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbosacral strain and remanded the issue of an initial rating for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. The Board denied an extraschedular rating and granted a TDIU from September 7, 2018 due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury and depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, to include as secondary to PTSD should be remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and whether withholding compensation benefits to recoup disability severance pay was proper. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and mood disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee conditions and associated depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding his alcohol abuse disorder and whether it is due to or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder were granted a 70% rating effective April 15, 2016. The left shoulder disability was granted an increased rating to 40%. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted.

The Veteran's neurocognitive and depressive disorders have been rated at 30 percent since March 14, 2017 to June 19, 2018. The symptoms during this period did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically his unspecified depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder were found to be manifested by symptoms comparable to a 70 percent disability rating, warranting an increased rating from the date of claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychological disorder other than personality disorder is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service stressors including a personal assault during field training exercises.