Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for hallux valgus and pes planus with plantar fasciitis, as well as an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for pes planus with plantar fasciitis, have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military personnel records and insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Depressive Disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's depression is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it was incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder and bipolar personality disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or any other condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Additionally, TDIU due to the totality of his service-connected disabilities must be adjudicated on a schedular basis.

The claim for service connection for TBI has been reopened based on new and material evidence. The claims for increased evaluations of the right knee and ankle strain are being remanded, as is the claim for an earlier effective date for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claim for major depressive disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee strain with chondromalacia was granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent effective October 21, 2015.,The Veteran’s PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted a 100 percent rating effective October 21, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death, specifically whether his hypertension and service-connected PTSD with Major Depression were contributory causes of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Veteran served as a gunner’s mate and testified that he feared for his life during service. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as to all issues except for service connection for major depression, which has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, including fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hand disorder manifested by weakness, pain, tingling, and numbness has been reopened. Service connection is granted.,Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding psychiatric and hemorrhoid conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depression disorder are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastric condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left lower extremity condition, eczema, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and claustrophobia is granted, but the issue of TDIU remains pending as it requires further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there is no evidence that his current mental health conditions are related to his military service.