Depression Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with MDD and for TDIU due to insufficient evidence from his last VA examination. The Veteran will need to undergo another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an independent medical expert opinion to determine if the Veteran's death was caused by medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities, or if there were any issues with VA care that contributed to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Additional examinations and medical opinions are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for PTSD and an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a non-VA medical evaluation report.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeals for further consideration of all evidence received since February 13, 2017. The issues include service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating higher than 70 percent for his service-connected depressive disorder and for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection are being remanded due to additional evidence that needs to be considered.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and psychosis resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The initial rating for PTSD was denied.,There is no effective date prior to June 29, 2016 for the grant of service connection due to lack of timely receipt of a claim form.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination, including verification of an in-service stressor and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a low back condition, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder and musculoskeletal conditions, are alleged to have caused his obesity and subsequently led to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's OSA was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted. The claims for residuals of prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are remanded. TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma-and-stressor related disorders. The decision also grants service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, but remands these issues due to the need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, finding that his service-connected disabilities alone do not necessitate regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD, to include depression, was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to August 14, 2017. The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the period prior to August 14, 2017.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are rated at a 70 percent since February 19, 2015. For the period from February 19, 2015 to May 29, 2017, he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his deployment in Eastern Africa.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed adjustment reaction with mixed anxiety and depression is secondary to his service-connected bilateral lower extremity frostbite, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's syncope and vasovagal reaction are not service-connected.,IBS and diverticulitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Bilateral ingrown toenails, multiple nevi on back, and eczema do not warrant higher evaluations.,Left shoulder strain does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,Obstructive sleep apnea requires use of a CPAP machine but does not warrant a higher rating.,Migraines are evaluated based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, meeting the criteria for a 50% evaluation.,Major depressive disorder with insomnia meets the criteria for a 70% evaluation.