Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's migraines, associated with major depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury, are now rated at 50% effective February 10, 2017.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, to include depression, was not present during service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident of service, including Agent Orange exposure.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction was not present during service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident of service, including Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected mental health and lumbar spine disabilities. From July 11, 2013, to February 20, 2014, the Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent; from February 21, 2014, forward, it is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional records from SSA and VA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and CUE issues due to their inextricably intertwined nature with his ongoing service connection and disability rating appeals.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for an increased evaluation and earlier effective dates for his service-connected PTSD, as well as a TDIU rating. The Board has ordered remand to obtain SSA records and clarify the Veteran's employment status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include a non-PTSD psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination and a need to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's aid and attendance is granted effective May 14, 2010. The housebound status prior to January 18, 2013 is denied.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in July 2013, including service connection for depressive disorder and TDIU. The Veteran claimed H.C. did not provide adequate representation.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for Major Depressive Disorder and Diabetes Mellitus Type II, as well as service connection for Peripheral Neuropathy of the Bilateral Upper Extremities and Chronic Kidney Disease. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to the lack of recent VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression. The Veteran's service treatment records show she was treated for suicidal ideation during her active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, as well as sleep apnea, all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, and right foot disorder. Service connection was granted for depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was previously denied in 2010 and not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, finding that his current mental health issues are more likely related to long-term alcohol use rather than military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 6, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of his TDIU claim due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease with residual depression, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction, constipation, incontinence, tremor, muscle rigidity and stiffness of the bilateral upper extremities, tremor, muscle rigidity and stiffness, and bradykinesia of the bilateral lower extremities, stooped posture, balance impairment, loss of automatic facial movements, speech changes, and difficulty swallowing and chewing is rated at 100 percent effective March 17, 2017. An effective date of July 6, 2012, for the grant of service connection for loss of use of both feet is granted.

The Veteran's traumatic brain injury with major depressive disorder and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent since November 14, 2016. The symptoms have caused significant impairment in work, social, and family relations.