Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the specific diagnosis and severity of the Veteran's claimed depression and anxiety. The case is also remanded for a VA examination to address the diagnosis and etiology of the Veteran’s psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his household.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in actual or functional loss of use of either foot.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a lack of a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's attorney provided additional information about his service and post-service substance abuse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, obsessive compulsive behavior, depression, mood disorder, suicidal tendencies and anxiety was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be the primary cause of his current OSA and headaches. His right shoulder, lumbosacral strain, and right knee disabilities are all granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI with migraine headaches and depression have been granted.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his claim of service connection for prostate cancer has been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, and has assigned a 20% rating effective July 6, 2018 for his lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates as there is no justiciable case or controversy regarding these matters.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective April 3, 2017. The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding the severity of his symptoms and granted a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Seizure disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a larynx condition and an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of a larynx condition related to service, and that the Veteran’s major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for left thumb sprain and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 26, 2015, for the grant of a 50 percent rating for his psychiatric disorder is denied. The Board finds that there is no evidence showing worsening of symptoms within one year prior to the August 26, 2015, increased rating claim.,The Veteran's service connection claims for right thumb disability and headaches are granted.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, as well as a heart condition due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's depression is also not service connected. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically anti-social depressive disorder. The VA must obtain a medical opinion and any SSA records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence, but has remanded the case for further development regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

Service connection for COPD is granted. An increased rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and PTSD) is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, Adjustment disorder with depressed mood, Depressive disorder, and Anxiety as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including obtaining additional VA or private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder.