Depression Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU award.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating effective June 11, 2012.

The Board has determined that the previous VA examination is inadequate and an additional opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD caused or aggravated his hypertension is required.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for his anxiety disorder and depression is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and radiculopathy, is being remanded due to the need for a clarification on whether the service-connected conditions are at least one cause of the Veteran's depression.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and bilateral pes planus are both rated at their current levels, with the appeals for increased ratings denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, prostate problems, and depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to September 29, 2016 is denied.,The Veteran was awarded a disability rating of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease effective August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to psychiatric symptomatology prior to October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 7, 2013 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia, pleural scarring in lungs and bacterial lung infection has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of pleural scarring or a relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory condition and his in-service pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to his service, including as a result of high-stress environment due to duties as a radioman. The matter will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, has been granted. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues except bilateral foot and toenail fungus is dismissed. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including bipolar disorder. The decision was based on new and material evidence that reopened his original claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with mild major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's in-service left eye injury and his current symptoms. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if any of his claimed conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran was also granted TDIU prior to April 28, 2010.

The Board has denied all service connection claims except for the reopening of a claim for depression, which was granted. The remaining claims were either not reopened or denied.