Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10% prior to February 20, 2014. From that date until November 13, 2017, the rating was increased to 30%. The decision grants a 30% rating for PTSD as of February 20, 2014, and denies any higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder was granted a disability rating of 70 percent from November 24, 2008 through August 12, 2014.,A higher disability rating in excess of 70 percent for the period beginning August 13, 2014 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic depression resulted in total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, auditory and visual hallucinations, and multiple suicide attempts. The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral sprain, has been granted. The effective date is set at March 26, 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression) is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service. The Veteran's back disability does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the service connection claim for depression because new and material evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and type II diabetes mellitus are found to have worsened, necessitating a new VA examination to assess their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since March 30, 2012. The RO has granted a TDIU for the entire appeal period from March 30, 2012 to June 2, 2016.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for OSTSRD is granted, but service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder) are denied. Service connection for OSA is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric claims, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the nature and onset of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and left ankle osteoarthritis, are deemed to preclude him from following substantial gainful employment. The Board has remanded the matter for further consideration by the Director of Compensation Services.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient evidence to corroborate in-service stressors and establish a nexus between current mental health conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The case is now pending for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and PTSD, anxiety, and depression has been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The case will be reviewed again with the provision of proper notification and a VA examination.

The Veteran's GERD, UDD, and right index trigger finger conditions have been granted increased ratings. The ED condition remains at a non-compensable rating. Effective April 9, 2017, the Veteran is now eligible for a 30% disability rating for his UDD.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol dependence in remission was denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disability was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) prior to April 28, 2015 was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for MDD since April 28, 2015 was also denied. The medical evidence supported no more than a 70 percent rating due to the presence of certain psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to December 7, 1998, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder and for a rating in excess of 20 percent for this condition. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.