Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations. The claim for increased ratings of unspecified depressive disorder and TMJD remains pending.,The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the claims for increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for a psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board is remanding this issue for further development.,Service connection for IHD was denied as there is no evidence that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to the need for a new VA examination to assess cognitive impairment and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-V or any link between his military service and his diagnosed depression.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records from prior to February 2013 and April 2018, as well as any SSA disability records and Walter Reed Army Medical Center records related to his heart failure. The Veteran will also be afforded a VA examination for his hypertension claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of a higher rating for Major Depressive Disorder, an earlier effective date for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, and an earlier effective date for Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and evaluation of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and remanded issues for further development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for major depressive disorder with panic disorder was granted, but an earlier effective date prior to May 23, 2013 is denied. The Veteran's increased rating claim for MDD with panic disorder is also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent as of April 8, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,VA has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with specified depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder is granted at a 70 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of July 15, 2010 for a 100 percent evaluation for her service-connected PTSD with MDD.

The Veteran's bipolar II disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression have been service connected. The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is granted with a TDIU effective January 3, 2018. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in the left upper extremity is granted a 20 percent rating effective January 3, 2018 and his right upper extremity is granted a 30 percent rating effective February 27, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal of the initial 70 percent rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

Service connection granted for bilateral tinnitus and denied for bilateral hearing loss, a sleeping disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression).,The Veteran's service connection claims for the other conditions are denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder are granted as service connected. The cervical spine, eye, traumatic brain injury, and headaches issues remain pending.